Speech & Language Pathologist 

Special Education

2024-25 School Year

 

 

Are you looking to work in a school division where students are engaged in authentic, challenging, and relevant learning experiences, becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society? Then look no further! 

 

In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together as a team to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student! 

 

We are the first public school division in Virginia, and among the first in the country, to develop and implement an Anti-Racism policy with the expressed purpose of building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism, eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps, and support the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child. In ACPS, “all” really means all.

 

Why Work in Our Schools

Here are just a few reasons why both new and experienced educators choose to join our team:

 

 

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Responsible for diagnosing speech and language disorders and for providing professional services to students through assessment, planning, goal development and provision of appropriate intervention services designed to enable students to access the general education curriculum.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Maintains a working knowledge of Response to Intervention and participating as assigned with the school team to plan and implement interventions at all tier levels according to student need;
  • Assesses, screens, and evaluates students and effectively shares results with parents and educational staff, and participates in the eligibility determination process in accordance with state and school division requirements and best practice;
  • Develops and implements Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with Speech/Language Impairment and assists with IEPs for students with speech/language as a related service, on an annual basis or according to requirements;
  • Responsible for hearing screenings according to state regulations and school division policy;
  • Complies with all Medicaid requirements for school-based claiming, including obtaining written Medicaid consent from parents of all students served and timely filing of claims that meet Medicaid standards;
  • Demonstrates knowledge of child growth and development and individual student needs by providing relevant instruction according to the IEP, Personalized Learning Plan, and educational best practices;
  • Develops and maintains a physical environment and psychological climate in the classroom that is conducive to effective student learning;
  • Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of preparation upon request;
  • Meets and instructs students in the locations and at the time designated using materials, instructional techniques, and resources in accordance with school division curriculum, special education policies and procedures, and recommended best practices;
  • Provides consultative services for school staff by sharing and demonstrating specific techniques and working with school teams to facilitate relevant and consistent interventions for targeted students;
  • Establishes a system of documentation that is measurable, accountable, and that conforms to state and school division policy;
  • Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules and administrative regulations, and maintains responsibility for student discipline and safety;
  • Maintains records and information concerning individual students in the prescribed confidential manner and using the records and information only for the purposes for which they are maintained, according to FERPA guidelines;
  • Attends meetings and staff development as requested by the principal and Department of Special Services;
  • Arranges for purchase of necessary instructional supplies for speech and language services and maintains an inventory of supplies;
  • Establishes and maintains cooperative professional relationships with administrative and school staff;
  • Follows required policies and procedures outlined in the Special Education Procedure Manual;
  • Performs related duties as assigned by the administration in accordance with school division policies and procedures.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to assess, screen, and evaluate students; ability to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships with administrative and school staff; knowledge of child growth and development; Excellent oral and written communication skills.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must have a valid Virginia License issued by the Virginia Department of Education with an endorsement in Speech/Language Pathology PreK-12. (Requires a Master's degree in Speech/Language Pathology from an accredited institution, or a current license in Speech/Language Pathology issued by the Virginia Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech Pathology). Must maintain certification through the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP). Must be eligible to participate in school-based Medicaid claiming.


PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Duties performed in all school settings including classrooms, gym, auditorium, recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, light lifting (up to 40 pounds), and other limited physical activities are required. Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with other staff members, parents and medical professionals may be required. Contacts with community and division-level staff may require considerable tact and diplomacy.


EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated on ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.