JOB SPECIFICATION 

POSITION: Speech & Language Pathologist Supervisor 

DEPARTMENT: ESS - General 

LOCATION: Various Great Hearts Academy Locations                                            

REPORTS TO: Academy Headmaster, Lead SLP 

EEO Classification: Professional 

FLSA STATUS: Salaried-Exempt (Full-time) 

Position Summary: 

The core responsibilities of the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) are (a) planning and oversight of the speech-language services provided; (b) screening, evaluating, diagnosing and advising; (c) managing and conducting therapy interventions; (d) adhering to local, state, federal regulations and ethical practices; and (e) to act as a liaison for students with speech and language needs. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to and love for the liberal arts. 

Primary Responsibilities and Duties: 

Planning and Oversight:

• Organizes a program that addresses school speech-language goals. 
• Contributes to the development of program guidelines as appropriate. 
• Cooperates with the Great Hearts lead office, community, and/or state programs to affect comprehensive services. 
• Attends meetings, such as faculty meetings, special meetings, and parent-teacher conferences, as needed. 
• Schedules interventions using a variety of service delivery models, including classroom intervention, consultation/collaboration and pull-out as appropriate to meet student needs in the least restrictive environment. 
• Coordinates speech-language services provided by speech language pathology assistants. 
• Collaborates with school personnel such as teachers, and other related service providers to best meet the needs of all students. 
• Meets with related school personnel to coordinate specific objectives for individualized educational programs (IEPs). 
• Safeguards confidentiality of student records. 
• Adheres to established rules, regulations, laws and appropriate ethical standards. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state and local rules, regulations and laws.  
• Maintain an inventory of speech materials, assessments, etc. 
• Participates in recruitment and hiring of Speech Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs) 
• Provide and document appropriate supervision of the SLPAs.   

Screening, Evaluating, Diagnosing and Advising:

• Conducts speech and language screenings. 
• Serves on the Student Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. 
• Administers formal and informal (ongoing & curriculum-based) assessments. 
• Observes students in educational environments. 
• Analyzes and interprets information to make recommendations regarding the need for speech-language services. 
• Presents and explains data to IEP Team. 
• Presents information to school personnel about language disorders as they relate to literacy and interactive communication skills. 
• Presents information to school personnel about speech disorders (articulation, voice, fluency) and their impact on communication and learning. 
• Provides information to parents and teachers about speech, language and hearing development. 
• Provides information to school personnel and parents about current procedures and program guidelines.   

Managing and Conducting Therapy:

• Collaborates/consults with classroom teachers in the management of speech-language disorders. 
• Plans evidence-based interventions appropriate for individual students and groups of students. 
• Initial supervision training prior to supervision and upgrade supervision training on a regular basis  
• Provide ongoing training to SLPAs 
• Informs academy faculty and families about the frequency and duration of services, and level of supervision  
• Make all clinical decisions (e.g., eligibility for services, dismissal from treatment)  
• Communicate with academy faculty, parents, and other relevant team members about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan  
• Review each treatment plan with the SLPA at least weekly  
• Delegate specific tasks to the SLPA while retaining legal and ethical responsibility for all speech-language services  
• Prepare individualized treatment plans and make modifications as necessary  
• Sign all formal documents  
• Review and sign all informal progress notes prepared by the SLPA.  
• Ensure the assistant only performs tasks within the ASHA-approved job responsibilities of the speech-language pathology assistant  
• Participate in performance appraisal of the SLPA.  

Adhering to Local, State, Federal Regulations and Ethical Practices:

• Demonstrates knowledge and use of statewide testing procedures. 
• Abides by professional code of ethics. 
• Develops appropriate IEPs based on students' strengths & needs. 
• Demonstrates awareness of professional performance in due process matters and litigious environments. 
• Submits to the appropriate person(s) and maintains a schedule for speech-language screening, diagnostic assessments, therapy/instructional services and other activities. 
• Keeps an updated schedule of each student's therapy. 
• Participates in professional meetings, continuing education opportunities and workshops directly related to the speech-language-hearing profession. 

Liaison:

• Provides consultation to parents, teachers and other appropriate school personnel. 
• Seeks the assistance of teachers, parents and others to meet the communication needs of students. 
• Gives written information to teachers, parents and others on ways to foster speech-language growth. 
• Talks with teachers formally and informally about individual student's needs and progress. 
• Consults/communicates with non-school agencies to enhance services. 
• Requests specific information on individual student's receiving services from non-school agencies (e.g., clinics, hospitals, physicians, health departments, day care centers, etc.) with signed release of information. 
• Makes recommendations and referrals for audiological/medical and related services.  

Qualifications, Competencies & Strengths: 

Education: Master’s Degree (preferred) from an accredited institution in Speech Pathology or Communication Disorders.  

Certification:

• Certificate from ADE and ADHS required. 
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA required. 
• Experience: Two years of school-based experience preferred. 

Special Skills:

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with staff and site team members. 
• Ability to contribute and participate in the assessment, intervention and documentation process. 
• Proficient in the use of technology.   

Compensation:  

Great Hearts offers a very competitive benefits package and overall compensation will be commensurate with talent, experience and education.  

Additional Requirements: 

• Type of fingerprint clearance: Must possess or obtain valid Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP fingerprint clearance card.
• Physical functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.
• Travel required: May need to travel locally to the various academies within the Phoenix metro area.
• This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.