OPEN RECRUITMENT: Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist SY)

Anchorage School District

Bargaining Unit: AEA Work Year: 185 days, 12 contract payments FTE: Full time, 1.0 FTE Salary: B00/00 - B72/08 ($61,454 - $88,919) DOE The successful candidate will receive an additional 6% increase on their annual salary.

Job Summary Speech-language pathologists assess and treat the communication disorders of articulation, language, voice, and stuttering for students age 3 through 21. Services are provided through direct contact with students and through consultation with teachers and/or parents and include a combination of classroom-based instruction, consultation, and group and individual therapy. Speech pathologists work collaboratively with the other members of the school team to ensure that students with communication disabilities have full participation in the learning environment and experience academic success. Speech-language staff partner with teachers to support language learning and literacy in the classroom.

This position reports to and is evaluated by Related Services. This position requires a valid Alaska educator certificate. The number of work days is based upon the AEA negotiated pay scale. Information on the pay scale can be found online on our Labor Relations Department website. This position's grade level, content area taught, and work site may change dependent upon student enrollment and district staffing needs. Positions that are 0.50 FTE to 1.0 FTE are associated with the Alaska Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), positions that are 0.40 to 0.49 FTE are associated with the Alaska Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Positions that are 0.39 FTE or less are not eligible for state retirement benefits.

Job Requirements The following are required:

• A master's degree in speech and language.
• A valid Alaska type C special services certificate with an endorsement for speech/language pathology or related endorsement.

The following are preferred:

• Evidence of experience working with special education students.
• Experience working collaboratively to support the Individual Education Plan (IEP) needs of special education student(s) in a public school setting.
• Experience or evidence of the ability to:
• Meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of normal speech/language development.
• Demonstrate knowledge of teaching/training methods, curricula and strategies regarding communication disorders.
• Handle confidential matters and information in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate organizational skills to assess, schedule, and manage a wide variety of students in multiple locations.

Essential Job Functions

• Participates with pre-referral teams and multidisciplinary teams for student screening, diagnosis, eligibility and intervention.
• Selects and administers standardized and non-standardized assessments, scored according to procedural manuals, and determines eligibility for speech-language services in the educational setting.
• Follows current departmental/district eligibility criteria for speech-language services.
• Establishes appropriate functional, school-based goals for addressing student needs in the areas of articulation, language, voice and fluency skills within the school environment.
• Uses technology (keyboarding, data entry, word processing) to manage work tasks including record keeping, IEP development, communication, research and to enhance instruction.
• Maintains required records (attendance, IEP paperwork, log book, progress notes) based on department, district and state standards.
• Documents services and completes required paperwork.
• Supervises paraprofessionals, as assigned, in the provision of speech-language services.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive environment for learning in a variety of school settings.
• Develops and varies therapy techniques and service delivery specific to each student's communication needs, emphasizing integration within the general education curriculum.
• Regularly collects and documents accurate data on speech-language goals and objectives to indicate student progress.
• Reassesses therapy plans on an ongoing basis and modifies as needed.
• Effectively presents information and responds to questions clearly and concisely from parents, supervisor(s) and team members regarding issues related to speech-language therapy.
• Functions as a team member and collaborates with regular education and special education staff in planning, supporting and providing instruction in a variety of school settings.
• Establishes and maintains high standards of professionalism and diplomacy when working with students, peers, parents, private providers, related medical agencies and community agencies.
• Serves as a resource to school staff, parents and community.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and department committees.
• Develops and maintains professional competency through in-service education, coursework and/or professional growth activities to apply best practice knowledge to speech-language therapy program.

Physical /Mental Demands The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment. The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability. Work Environment Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings. While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

About The Anchorage School District is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the country. We educate nearly 43,000 students in over 130 schools and programs. Minority students comprise more than 50 percent of the student population, and our students speak 110 different languages. We are committed to fostering and celebrating diversity and preparing our students to be global citizens. We support employees through comprehensive professional development, award winning mentoring programs, and competitive salary and benefits. Anchorage is the best of both worlds, offering pristine wilderness alongside the amenities of a large city.

Land Acknowledgment: We acknowledge that we gather here today on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina People of Upper Cook Inlet. For thousands of years, the Dena'ina People have been and continue to be the stewards of this land. ASD is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it is with honor and respect that we recognize all Indigenous people who live and learn in our community.

Our Mission: In order to meet its mission, Educating All Students for Success in Life, Anchorage School District (ASD) is committed to strategic initiatives and goals. Goals are SMART as they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Our Vision: Building the ideal student experience

Student learning, achievement, and lifelong success are the focus of ASD. Within the District, families have many academic choices to meet a variety of student needs. Equitable access and opportunity are keys to building a successful learning path for each student. ASD celebrates our differences and is committed to inclusion of all our community's languages, cultures, and perspectives. Education plays a vital role in preparing students to become engaged, productive members of our culturally rich community. Our community envisions students empowered by real world experiences with access to educational opportunities within and beyond the walls of school buildings. ASD is boldly committed to transforming how we prepare students for life, college and careers within Alaska and across the globe.

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