Position Overview
The mission of the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) is to provide educators with curricular resources, academic programs, and aligned professional development to ensure rigorous and joyful learning experiences for every student. OTL team members support school-based staff in implementing DCPS's existing academic programs while simultaneously working to rethink and redesign school programming, academic and curricular resources, and educator professional development.
The Division of Specialized Instruction (DSI) within the Office of Teaching and Learning works to provide a high-quality continuum of services in an inclusive environment so every student with disabilities is prepared for success in college, career, and life. The division works with schools to design, implement, and monitor programs and support for students with disabilities.
Divisions/Teams
The Related Services team (Assistive Technology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology) is committed to increasing educational access and independence of every student in our schools by providing quality evidence-based interventions and supports to students through the provision IEP, 504 and RTI services.
The Transition team oversees the process of preparing students for life after they leave high school, including participation in post-secondary education or training, employment, and community living.
The Modified Instruction and Programming team oversees self-contained special education classrooms that implement a modified curriculum, including Communication and Education Support (CES), Independent Learning Support (ILS), Early Learning Support (ELS).
The team also manages the Extended School Year (ESY) and the Home and Hospital Instruction Program (HHIP).
The Inclusive Instruction and Programs team provides training, coaching, and actionable resources to build the capacity of all DCPS leaders and educators to effectively implement instructional practices that support the needs of all DCPS learners, including and especially those students receiving special education services, regardless of learning environment.
The Resolution team ensures DCPS complies with IDEA by supporting schools through the due process complaint process and resolving special education disputes. In partnership with the Office of General Counsel, the team manages complaints, mediations, HOD implementation, and compliance with settlements, LODs, and OCR agreements.
The Monitoring and School Support team provides coaching and guidance to schools to ensure compliance with federal, state, and DCPS requirements. Through monitoring, data reviews, professional development, and technical assistance, the team strengthens school systems and improves outcomes for students with disabilities by translating policy into practice.
The Related Services team (Assistive Technology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology) is committed to increasing educational access and independence of every student in our schools by providing quality evidence-based interventions and supports to students through the provision IEP, 504 and RTI services.
The Speech and Language Pathologist will support the student’s ability to derive full benefits from the district’s educational program. The scope of work has impact through the Office of Teaching and Learning in the Public Schools of the District of Columbia. The Speech and Language Pathologist will eliminate, reduce, and/or provide compensatory strategies in the area of speech and language development.
The Speech and Language Pathologist (10-month) will report to the Manager, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This position is a 0.5 FTE Speech-Language Pathologist role, requiring 20 hours per week, not to exceed 40 hours per pay period.
This position has been designated as Safety Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying safety sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests: Criminal background check; Sex Offender Registry check; Pre-employment drug and alcohol test; Traffic record check (as applicable); Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
The Speech and Language Pathologist (0.5 FTE) will report to the Manager, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
- Provides online and/or in-person direct and indirect clinical services to students who have been diagnosed with an academically based communication disorder in areas of articulation, languages, voice, and/or fluency.
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Provides and completes on-line or in-person comprehensive diagnostic assessments of speech, voice, and language impairments; and determines the presence/absence of a specific communication disorder which adversely impacts academic progress.
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Serves as a resource to school staff members by developing a balanced program for oral communication and speech, language, and literacy development.
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Provides direct/indirect service to students diagnosed with a swallowing disorder as it relates to the educational environment.
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Provides an implemented therapeutic program to meet the individual needs of students with diagnosed communication impairment.
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Assists and guides teachers in observing, describing, and referring suspected and identified speech and language impairments.
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Assists in proper referrals of students to agencies and specialists in the community, as appropriate.
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Provides appropriate individualized programs of therapy to meet individual students’ needs and correct existing speech or language impairments.
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Compiles case history data on those cases where additional family history, health history, and early developmental history are deemed appropriate.
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Maintains all documents required to file Medicaid claims, including the documentation of students’ progress according to DCPS Policy and Procedure.
Qualifications
Experienced Speech-Language Pathologists must meet the following Education and Experience Requirements:
- Master’s degree (MA/MS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology.
- Eligible for District of Columbia’s Department of Health (DOH) license in the area of Speech-Language Pathology; and must hold DC DOH license within three months of hire of date.
- Proof of passing the Praxis National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Proof of completion of Clinical Fellowship or proof of ASHA certification.
- Complete and pass Criminal Background Check.
- If the SLP currently holds a license in another state, then he/she can obtain his/her DC DOH via “Endorsement."
- Eligible for AHSA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Eligible for Instructional Credentials from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
- Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
Clinical Fellow Candidates must meet the following Education and Experience Requirements:
- Proof of passing the Praxis National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Master’s degree (MA/MS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology.
- Effective May 1, 2018, must hold DC DOH Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow license.
- Must hold DC DOH license within three months following the completion of Clinical Fellowship term.
- Eligible for ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Completion of Clinical Fellowship experience must be completed within two (2) years of DCPS hire date.
- Eligible for Instructional Credentials from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
- Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
- STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
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COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
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EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
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EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
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TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
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JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodation and/or application assistance is available upon request at all stages of the application and employment process. To request accommodation, please contact [email protected].
