Posting Timeline
This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.
Position Details
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.
SPECIAL EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT:
As a department, we are committed to reversing the trend of isolation and segregation of students with disabilities by ensuring all students have access to high quality instruction responsive to their needs and delivered by effective and culturally responsive educators within the Least Restrictive Environment. Our primary focus is to build capacity and to support staff members district wide to ensure effective instruction is the predictor of student outcomes.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Speech & Language Pathologist provides speech and language intervention services on a direct, consultative, or integrated basis to students identified as eligible through an Individualized Education Plan. Participate on multidisciplinary assessment teams to identify, diagnose, and provide intervention for eligible students who exhibit communication disorders.
The Speech & Language Pathologist works with students who cannot make speech sounds, or cannot make them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering, voice quality problems, inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; and those with problems understanding and producing language. They also work with students who have oral motor problems causing eating and swallowing difficulties and those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
- Observe, screen and evaluate students to determine current level of performance to determine eligibility for services; prepare evaluation reports and participate in drafting individual education program (IEP) goals and objectives.
- Diagnose and identify students with articulation, voice, fluency (stuttering) and/or language delays and disorders using standardized, norm referenced test instruments including determining type and severity of disorder.
- Develop speech and language treatment plans including determining goals, objectives, methods, materials, frequency, duration, and modifications to regular classroom activities.
- Provide direct therapy and instruction to students including analyzing, reviewing, and revising student progress; communicating with teachers and parents; and preparing classroom for instruction.
- Design, implement, and develop activities and original instructional aides which are relevant, enhance the effectiveness of teaching, and address treatment plans including determining appropriate number of activities, scheduling activities, and making group and individual behavior plans.
- Provide ideas and consult with teachers and parents regarding speech and language development and disorders including determining the needs of the child.
- Develop, select and implement direct, indirect and consultative services based on individual assessment results and planning intervention goals.
- Plan, develop and complete Individualized Education Plans according to District and State guidelines and policies.
- Provide appropriate communication intervention strategies; monitor the effectiveness of interventions, coordinates or assist in the coordination of necessary resources to provide services to students; recommend program adjustments and enhancements as necessary.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Equity Initiative by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy.
- Participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K-12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to business practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community.
- Develop and conduct trainings to assist school staff, students and families in understanding the student’s communication disorders and the role of the speech/language pathologist improving student development and achievement.
- Develop a variety of teaching and instructional strategies including maintaining current knowledge of standards and practices in the field by consulting with books, colleagues, and conferences.
- Establish and maintain intervention schedules for the schools and children with IEP and service plans.
- Create, update and maintain a variety of district, state and federal compliance paperwork, including Medicaid billing.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
A Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology or license issued by the Oregon State Board of Speech-Language Pathology is required at time of employment. A Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is required within the first year of employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bilingual/Bi-Cultural Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese applicants are highly desirable.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Incumbents in this classification must obtain and maintain both a current and valid Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and a valid license issued by the Oregon State Board of Speech-Language Pathology.
Some positions in this classification may require demonstrated bilingual/bi-literate proficiency in a language other than English.
Position requires the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver's license to drive to/from different locations.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Knowledge of:
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, codes, and statutes;
- District policies, procedures, organization structure and school requirements.
- Speech/Language pathology principles and practices.
- Speech pathology subject matter including speech/language disorders and treatments, diagnostic tests and batteries, cognitive development, and strategies for articulation and language development.
- Relevant medical, social, and legal community resources.
- Assessment instruments and methodologies.
- Customer service and public relations including coordination of District and community-based services.
- Counseling, conflict resolution and problem solving.
- Current relevant research related to speech pathology and children.
- CPR and first aid.
Ability to:
- Cooperate and support other team members within an interdisciplinary model.
- Work cooperatively to accomplish the goals and objectives of the local education agency.
- Work under pressure to meet timelines and handling multiple and changing priorities.
- Use a variety of adaptive language, school and office equipment, including computers and peripherals.
- Analyze information from journal articles, books, research findings, etc.
- Demonstrate understanding and compliance with PPS policies, procedures and applicable rules, regulations and laws.
- Learn and implement Portland Public School’s Racial Equity Initiative.
- Determine and assess language and speech problems.
- Use relevant assessment tools and problem solving techniques specific to speech and language assessment.
- Mentor and provide leadership related to speech/language issues.
- Administer, interpret and apply testing results.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes, ethical considerations and policies.
- Maintain confidentiality of student information.
- Use of a variety of computer-based technologies.
- Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; demonstrating tact, diplomacy and patience.
LICENSURE REQUIREMENT: Oregon State Board of Speech-Language Pathology License
COMPENSATION: $62,635 TO $93,589 (Annual salary based on 1.0 FTE)
WORK YEAR: 192
FTE: 1.0
Benefits Information
Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.
Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.
For more information please visit our Benefits site at http://www.pps.net/Page/1635