Speech Language Pathologist

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Primary Function

The Speech and Language Pathologist provides services in support of Iowa School for the Deaf’s mission which is to prepare deaf and hard of hearing students from pre-school to age 21 for life as literate citizens who contribute in society.

The Speech and Language Pathologist provides direct service to students and collaborates with ISD teachers and support staff to assist students in meeting their goals.

• Assume responsibility for all aspects of providing speech-language services, including identification, remediation, referral, resource, and research as appropriate for all children, birth to 21, at Iowa School for the Deaf
• Provide assessments for 3-year evaluations and annual IEPs.
• Support the development of compliant and quality IEPs.
• Assume responsibility for designing and designating the service delivery model(s) for providing speech-language services to children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
• Develop and follow a flexible schedule based on student need as stated in the Individualized Education Program (i.e. service delivery model (s), frequency of sessions, duration of sessions, etc.).
• Assume responsibility for the provision of speech-language services to students within one’s identified caseload for the regular school year.
• Engage in consultation and collaboration with LEAs, AEAs, parents, medical, and community agencies.
• Engage in intervention activities.
• All services performed in accordance with the established policies, procedures, and philosophies of Iowa School for the Deaf, the rules and regulations of the Iowa State Department of Education including the Iowa Teaching Standards and Code of Ethics specific to the discipline of speech and language.
• Assist the Principal in matters of priority as well as bring to the attention of the Principal issues of concern in regard to efficient and effective provision of special education services.
• Regular attendance as required.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct Assessments

• Complete speech and language evaluations with deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to 21, including students with additional disabilities.

Support ISD school personnel

• Assist faculty and support staff in interpreting assessments and other student data.
• Assist faculty and support staff in IEP goal writing and progress monitoring.
• Provide on-going consultative services to staff regarding communication methodology and strategies needed by students for effective instruction.
• Arrange, plan, and deliver appropriate agency approved activities, including professional development, as directed by the Principal.

IEP Development

• Work with ISD teachers to ensure ISD IEPs are compliant and of high quality.
• Participate in the development of individual student’s IEPs and 3-year evaluations.
• Attend IEP meetings to discuss assessments and proposed goals.

Provide support for students

• Monitor student attainment of IEP goals and provide intervention as needed.

• Work with outside agencies to support speech, language, and hearing services.
• Communicate with parent(s) and LEA staff.

Program Support

Professional Development

• Participate in continuing professional development activities to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
• Use research in school practice by (a) reading research literature, (b) distributing and synthesizing research findings, and (c) conducting action research related to applied problems.

Qualification/Skills/Abilities:

• Completion of training with a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and meet Iowa Department of Education guidelines for Speech-Language Pathologist, or a current license from the Iowa State Board of Speech-Language Pathology Department of Public Health and a Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) from the Iowa Department of Education
• Experience working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
• Knowledge-based competencies of Iowa Core and Expanded Core Curriculum for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.

SKILLS:

• Excellent communication skills with diverse groups
• Leadership and organizational skills
• Editorial and Computer skills

ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events
• Work with frequent interruptions
• Work as part of a team
• Create a positive school climate for students and staff
• Adapt to ever changing work priorities

Work Schedule: These are full-time, school year positions (191 day contract for first year; subsequent years are 189 day contracts).

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. One of the following current licenses from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners: 
   1. School Psychologist; or 
   2. School Counseling; or 
   3. Speech Language Pathologist.
2. All of the following (a and b):
   1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in orientation and mobility; and 
   2. Possession of a current Iowa Orientation and Mobility Specialist license. 
3. All of the following (a and b):
   1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field; and 
   2. Possession of a current Iowa Teaching Certificate.