Speech Language Pathologist Fall 2027

Position Title: Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

Location: Great Hearts Blossom Rock (10100 South Miners Way Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120)

Reports To: Headmaster

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation Type: Salaried

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.

Roles and Responsibilities

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.

• Required/Preferred

Education

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Speech Pathology or Communication Disorders.

• Required/Preferred

Experience

• Two years of school-based experience preferred.

• Required/Preferred Skills:

• Certificate from ADE and ADHS required.

• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA required.

• 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.

• 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.

• US work authorization is required, but we do accept OPT/CPT candidates.

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

• Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

• 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.