Position Overview – Speech-Language Pathologist
At Cornerstone School, we believe that every individual deserves a voice and the opportunity to communicate, connect, and thrive. We are seeking a compassionate, innovative, and collaborative Speech-Language Pathologist to join our multidisciplinary team and empower students to reach their fullest communication potential.
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, you will provide comprehensive speech, language, and communication services to students with complex learning needs, including Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and significant medical or sensory challenges. Through individualized assessment, evidence-based intervention, and collaborative care, you will help students strengthen their communication skills, increase independence, and enhance their participation at school, at home, and in the community.
This role extends beyond traditional speech therapy. You will develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans, recommend and support the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and assistive technology, and collaborate closely with educators, therapists, and families to ensure communication strategies are consistently integrated throughout each student's day.
Whether you're helping a student express their wants and needs for the first time, building social communication skills, or introducing innovative communication tools, your work will have a profound and lasting impact on each student's ability to learn, connect, and succeed.
If you are passionate about unlocking communication, fostering independence, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with unique abilities, we invite you to join a team where every voice matters.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assess specific levels of language functioning using formal/informal measurement tools, observations, record reviews, and teacher interviews. To assess and make recommendations regarding feeding and swallowing (in conjunction with physical therapy, occupation therapy, and nutritionist), as needed.
- Assist in determining an individual's specific needs regarding speech/language services and include the goals and objectives of services in the child's IEP, following Common Core guidelines as appropriate.
- Provide speech/language services in the form of direct treatment and/or consultation to educational staff and parents, as appropriate.
- Provide consulting services by training staff and parents, as needed.
- Monitor those programs implemented by speech/language pathologist via teacher/therapist consultation, classroom observation, and data collection, as appropriate.
- Formulate evaluations/reports to meet relevant regulatory requirements to include IEPs, six-month reviews, and 3-year speech/language evaluations.
- Maintain therapy notes and speech/language records on all individuals, as needed.
- Participate in multidisciplinary conferences and attend all pertinent meetings, as appropriate.
- Assist in purchasing recommendations of equipment and supplies for the speech/language department, as needed.
- All other duties as assigned.
Peripheral Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide ongoing training, encouragement, and support to classroom staff to ensure carryover.
- Develop meaningful family contact through notes, phone calls, school visits, or home visits to maintain consistency of programming in the home.
- Possess knowledge of the functioning of assistive devices, augmented communication equipment, and all communication systems used by students.
- Develop an understanding of children's feeding issues and work closely with the feeding team to address feeding concerns as it pertains to the area of speech pathology.
- Establish a flexible schedule to provide speech services within the classroom and develop a carryover program for staff to maintain this standard daily.
- Develop functional speech and language strategies and activities for the classroom that focus on practical application for the educational setting.
- Demonstrate and always model the expected professional behavior of a Speech and Language Pathologist.
- Set a professional standard within the classroom, school, and community to which others can model.
- Demonstrate the ability to work as a member of the educational team.
- Practice universal precautions, proper lifting, and monitor feeding techniques on an ongoing basis.
- Provide a harmonious, respectful, professional, and stimulating environment for children and staff.
- Encourage students to participate in therapy engaging staff only as much as needed to complete tasks or activities.
- Promote choice-making opportunities for children throughout the day, including therapy.
- Remain current on the latest advances in speech and language therapy through conferences and professional readings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education Must have MS degree in Speech and Language Pathology
Certification Speech and Language Pathologist by the RI Department of Education
Experience Minimum of two years working in a school environment from preschool age to 21
Substitution Experience working with children with speech and language disabilities or any equivalent combination of education and experience
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to use good body mechanics in all physical activities associated with job responsibilities
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Develop the skill with new augmented communication devices as they become available
- Ability to communicate with teachers, assistants, parents, and other professionals regarding student programs and IEP goals and objectives
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, individual students and their families
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Ability to implement and follow procedures and policies established for the safe and efficient operation of the classroom and school
- Ability to write reports in a clear and concise manner using language which parents can understand
- Ability to provide a speech/language program that is consistent in implementation of procedures and strategies to benefit children who need consistency throughout their day
- Demonstrate knowledge of educational philosophy of age-appropriate and/or developmentally appropriate education or willingness to learn
- Develop knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and positive guidance techniques to be used in the early childhood setting
Special Qualifications:
- Current CPR certification or willing to become current
- A valid driver's license
- Meet DCYF and Department of Education requirements to work in a school
- Will transport students using agency or own vehicle to meet school needs
- Certificate of Clinical Competence/CFY eligible
- Develop knowledge of dysphagia preferred
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift independently up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to lift up to 90 lbs. with another person.
- Ability to stand 70% of the shift.
- Ability to kneel, bend, and stoop for 40% of the shift.
- Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs.
Tools and Equipment: Knowledge of use and adaptive equipment commonly used by students with speech and language disabilities
Working Environment: Special needs school, working within a classroom environment. Some community and/or home assignments, including public school settings, are necessary.
