Speech Language Specialist

ORANGE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 451 Lincoln Avenue, Orange, NJ 07050 JOB DESCRIPTION SPEECH LANGUAGE SPECIALIST NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB: Provides a full range of services in the identification and diagnosis of speech, language, communication, and hearing disorders and in the prescription and delivery of appropriate educational services and programs to eliminate, reduce, or accommodate disabilities that interfere with the student's meeting and exceeding the Core Curriculum Content Standards.

QUALIFICATIONS: The Speech Language Specialist shall:

1. Hold a valid New Jersey educational services certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6 Chapter 11 with a Speech Language Specialist endorsement (N.J.A.C. 6:11-11.9) and other appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6:11-10.1 et seq..
2. Hold and maintain a valid driver's license with no serious violations (if applicable to assignment).
3. Demonstrate the ability to assess, treat, and provide strategies for the prevention and remediation of speech, language, and hearing disorders.
4. Have at least three years of excellent teaching experience.
5. Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of speech-language pathology, child growth and development, learning assessment and diagnosis, research related to learning, instructional strategies, and classroom management.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of current rules and regulations regarding Child Study Teams and special education assessment and program requirements.
8. Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and the interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
9. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
10. Demonstrate the ability to use technology for data management, information retrieval, visual and audio presentations, and telecommunications.
11. Provide proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
12. Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education, or, during the initial six month period provide a sworn statement that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly persons offense in accordance with 18A:6-7.1.
13. Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
14. Pass the State required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
15. Meet such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

VERIFICATION OF COMPETENCY:

1. District application and resume.
2. Required documentation outlined in the qualifications above.
3. A minimum of three letters of reference from former employers, teachers, professors or other professional sources, or copies of recent evaluations of teaching performance and/or performance as a Speech Language Specialist.
4. Original College Transcripts.
5. Employment interview.
6. Employment assessments as may be deemed appropriate for the position.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Speech Language Specialist shall:

1. Provides comprehensive services for students with speech and/or language disorders, following N.J.A.C. 6A:14 et seq. and other State and District rules, regulations, and procedures.
2. Develops and implements screening procedures to identify students who are in need of corrective speech, language, and/or hearing instruction (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.6).
3. Participates on the Child Study Team when students with communications disorders are referred to the Team. Uses observation, conferences with the instructional staff, and various assessment techniques to make diagnostic evaluations. Participates in Team conferences and communications with parents and students, and recommend intervention strategies for the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Monitors the Plan's implementation, and participate in the annual review.
4. Plans and delivers treatment for students with speech, language, and/or hearing deficiencies in individual and small group settings.
5. Assists with referrals of students to agencies and resources in the community when appropriate.
6. Provides regular evaluation of students receiving speech, language, and hearing specialized instruction to determine the effectiveness of services. REPORTS TO:

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES SUPERVISES: N/A SALARY: COMMENSURATE W / EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE UNION AFFILIATION: ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

EMPLOYMENT TERMS: 10 - MONTHS

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7. Completes in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the Principal or Director of Special Services.
8. Assists the instructional staff through conferences, consultations, observations, and demonstrations with classroom organization and the implementation of effective instructional strategies and materials for students with speech, language, and hearing disorders.
9. Maintains positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with the administration, instructional staff, students, parents, and representatives of other school districts and agencies within the community.
10. Visits pupil homes when appropriate or upon request of the Principal.
11. Attends required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees.
12. Participates in faculty, school, parent, and community meetings and programs, sharing observations, issues and resources available.
13. Conducts or provides staff development sessions and educational programs for parents to promote an understanding of effective strategies to accommodate speech, language and hearing disorders.
14. Notifies immediately appropriate personnel of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids.
15. Summarizes, interprets, and disseminates current developments in speech and language pathology through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
16. Completes the required 20 clock hours of State-approved continuing professional development annually in accordance with State and district procedures, as specified in the Professional Improvement Plan (N.J.A.C. 6:11-13); as well as, attendance compliance to mandated district professional development days and sessions.
17. Maintains a safe working condition and operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
18. Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
19. Protects confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
20. Completes mandated training programs as required by law.
21. Adheres to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, school regulations and procedures, and contractual obligations.
22. Completes and adheres to district mandates as directed by the District Superintendent or designee; i.e. non-negotiables, bulletins, emails, goals and objectives, etc.
23. Performs any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Principal or supervisors and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:

1. Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
2. Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time.
3. Speak, hear and demonstrate evidence of understanding.
4. Use close vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
5. Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
6. Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: The environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.

1. Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
2. Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
3. Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities.
4. Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, instruction, and/or operation of equipment.
5. Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy and/or State Law.

THE ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Revised: 1/14/2020 Revised: 1/13/2015 Revised: 3/18/2014