Bend-La Pine Schools
Bend, Oregon 97703
Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.
Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.
Position Title: SPEECH / LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
Department: Special Programs
Reports To: Director of Special Programs
JOB DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, the Speech / Language Specialist works to reduce or eliminate speech and language problems that interfere with the student's ability to derive full benefit from the district's educational programs..
NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK:
The Speech/ Language Specialist identifies and diagnoses all students who may be speech and/or language impaired.. This diagnoses includes disorders of articulation, voice and fluency, as well as expression and receptive language delays/disorders. The program's aim is to give speech and language disordered students the opportunity to develop effective receptive and expressive communication skills in all academic and social areas.. The Speech / Language Specialist works under supervision of the principal / administrator in charge of Special Programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
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Identifies students eligible for speech / language services through general screening.
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Screens new students and those referred by parents, teachers, counselors, physicians, nurses or other persons or agencies.
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Provides in-depth diagnosis as needed..
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Schedules speech and language intervention.
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Develops an Individualized Education Program for each student.
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Implements an Individualized Education Program for each student
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Plans and prepares in all areas of the program..
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Records data and assesses the progress of each student
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Conferences with parents and teachers regarding student's progress.
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Conducts referral and follow-up activities.
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Confers with school district personnel as needed including in-building screening committee and staff meetings..
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Fulfills all appropriate responsibilities assigned to the classroom teacher.
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Fulfills other duties as assumed or assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed primarily in school-based settings, including classrooms, therapy spaces, and other instructional environments, with regular movement throughout school facilities. The position may require travel between multiple school sites depending on assignment. The role requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, facilitating therapy activities, and handling instructional materials, therapy tools, or assistive communication equipment consistent with assigned duties.
The employee may be exposed to communicable illnesses, elevated noise levels, and a range of student needs while providing speech and language services. The position involves working directly with students individually or in small groups and may require collaboration with teachers and support staff to implement communication supports within classroom environments. While the primary responsibilities focus on therapy services and instructional support, the employee may occasionally be required to provide student supervision support consistent with school operations.
Participation in meetings, including evaluation meetings, individualized education program (IEP) meetings, case discussions, and collaboration with staff and families, may be required and may occur outside the regular instructional day, consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The role requires sustained attention, accurate documentation, adherence to confidentiality requirements, effective communication with students, families, and staff, and the ability to adapt therapy strategies to support student communication and access to learning. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge:
- School district policies and procedures.
- Current concepts, methods and procedures for curriculum development and implementation.
- Laws, rules, polices, and trends regarding instruction.
- Evaluation of techniques.
- Common Curriculum Goals and Essential Learning Skills.
- Human development and learning.
- Behavior management techniques.
- Communication techniques.
- Computer technology.
Skills and Abilities:
- Maintain a high level of commitment to the completion of all tasks.
- Read, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Apply an understanding of English, reading, spelling, mathematics and other subjects as related to the position.
- Deal with students, teachers, administrators, supervisor, and the public in a pleasant and courteous manner.
- Learn the operation of computers and other equipment used in the work, as required by the position.
- Accurately transfer, record and convey information, materials and money as required by the position.
- Verbalize concepts and to communicate effectively in person and over the phone using a pleasant and well modulated voice.
- Establish and maintain accurate record systems.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, teachers, administrators, co-workers, supervisor, and the public.
- Make mathematical calculations accurately.
- Write or print legibly.
- Obtain or possess a valid Oregon driver’s license and maintain an insurable status for automobile and liability coverage, as required by the position.
- Abide by confidentiality requirements.
- Demonstrate high standards of moral character and behavior as required of teachers by serving as an effective role model for students.
- Adhere to the federal requirement for a drug-free workplace.
- Hold a valid first aid card.
- Learn to deal with bodily fluids.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Completion of coursework satisfying the requirements for issuance of an appropriate license / certificate.
- Must be a certified and licensed speech and language therapist.
- Demonstrated ability to support and maintain school and district policies and to successfully plan and complete assigned responsibilities within identified resources and timelines.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and appropriately in speech and in writing in accord with educational standards.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team setting with school staff.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:
- Completion of coursework satisfying the requirement for issuance of an appropriate license / certificate.
- Must be a certified and licensed speech and language therapist.
Expectations of Professional Conduct:
Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are expected to adhere to all Bend-La Pine Schools policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with established procedures and expectations. They are to prioritize the well-being of students, aligning their conduct with the core values of public education and the mission, vision, and goals of Bend-La Pine Schools. This entails maintaining consistent and punctual attendance while adhering to site and/or district protocols for reporting absences.
Professionalism extends to personal presentation, with employees expected to maintain attire and grooming appropriate to their roles. While carrying out everyday tasks independently, it's essential to maintain professionalism in how you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, with students, parents/guardians, the public, and colleagues. This includes valuing and respecting cultural and background differences. Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are entrusted with fostering a respectful working and learning environment, upholding confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information at all times.
The statements herein reflect the general nature and level of work expected in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications.
Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed to support district operations, provide coverage, and ensure the effective functioning of the organization. This may include location changes to the assignment in order to address developing district needs.
Please Provide:
Resume
Cover Letter
2 Letters of Recommendation
License
Transcripts are not needed as part of the application but are required prior to employment for salary placement purposes.
INTERNAL CERTIFIED APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Resume
Cover Letter
1 Letter of Recommendation
If you would like to include more than the one required letter of recommendation, you may do so.
Note: The system will not take uploads from current employees, so please email supporting documents to [email protected]
