Speech Language Pathologist - Special Education

Speech Language PathologistEmployment Type: Full-timeBase Salary: $74,212.00Calendar: Certified Exempt, 191 workdaysBenefits: Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurancePerformance Pay: Available annuallyNew Hire Experience: $500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experienceNew Hire Education: $65/hour of graduate level credits: MA +60 hours max; $1000 for advanced degrees (PhD. or Ed.D.)Job Summary:To evaluate, diagnose and provide direct therapy and instruction for students to address articulation deficits, voice quality, fluency, and language disorders.Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.Key Responsibilities:This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.Provide screening protocol to identify children with speech/language deficitsAssist and guide teachers in observing and referring students with suspected speech and/or language deficitsAdminister informal diagnostic techniques and formal standardized norm referenced testing instruments to diagnose and identify students with articulation deficits, voice, fluency, and or language disordersProvide diagnostic assessment for preschool children referred for evaluationAnalyze and interpret testing results to determine need for speech-language servicesDevelop speech and language treatment plans to include goals, objectives, methods, frequency, duration, and modifications for regular classroom settingProvide a therapeutic program to meet the individual needs of speech/language impaired childrenDevelop and maintain a therapeutic environment that promotes learningMonitor student learning and pace therapy/instruction accordinglyConsult with classroom teachers and other staff members to offer suggestions to address speech deficits and determine accommodations within the regular education settingKeep meaningful, accurate, legible, ongoing records for individuals receiving speech and language servicesProvide information, support, and counsel to parents of children who have speech and language deficitsProvide goals, objectives, and progress of each student to parents upon requestDevelop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with students, parents, teachers, support staff and administrationMaintain documentation of referred, screened and eligible studentsDocument, compile and analyze data to write required reports on speech/language servicesUtilize the District Individualized Education Plan software to write speech and language goals and objectivesAttend and participate in Individualized Education Plan meetings to provide information make recommendations, and coordinate specific learning objectivesProvide documentation for Medicaid reimbursable services as verification of services providedSubmit reports for to meet local and state requirementsSafeguard confidentiality of student recordsOversee, coordinate, and plan for speech language pathology assistants as experience allows per Arizona statueServe as an instructional leader in the areas of speech, language, and oral communicationParticipate in team conferences and decisions regarding student needAssists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public SchoolsRequired Qualifications:To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.Education:Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology requiredCertificate of Clinical Competence or ASHA recognized ClinicalCurrent AZ Department of Health Services Speech and Language Pathology LicenseCurrent AZ Department of Education CertificateExperience:Supervised fieldwork, often totaling hundreds of hours, in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, or clinicsKnowledge of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and school-based services is often expected.Prior experience as a student intern in a school setting is highly valuedUnderstanding of the educational system and the ability to collaborate with teachers, parents, and school staffSkills & Competencies:This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a GraduateDemonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.Demonstrate knowledge of federal, state and local rules, regulations and lawsProficiency in evaluating speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders using standardized and informal toolsSkill in identifying and diagnosing conditions like articulation disorders, language delays, and pragmatic language impairmentsUtilizing evidence-based practices for speech and language therapyAbility to explain complex speech and language concepts to non-specialists, including teachers and parentsWorking with children who may face frustration due to communication difficulties requires compassion and understandingBalancing a caseload of students, scheduling sessions, and managing paperwork efficientlyStaying current with research and trends in speech-language pathology and educational practicesWork Environment & Physical Requirements:This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.Office setting in a district or school buildingTherapy sessions are often conducted in designated speech therapy rooms, classrooms, or shared office spacesFrequent interaction with teachers, school psychologists, special education staff, and administratorsTypically aligned with the school day and calendar, including summer breaks and holidays, though additional time may be required for paperwork or meetingsAbility to move between classrooms, therapy rooms, and meeting spaces, which may require walking across a school campusOccasional lifting of materials or therapy equipment (e.g., books, AAC devices, or visual aids) up to 25lbsEqual Opportunity Employer Statement:Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.