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Speech Pathologist

Organizational Overview

Grow Public Schools’ (GPS) mission is to be a network of high-performing schools in Kern County, dedicated to academic excellence that empowers all students to thrive through a foundation of health and wellness, college and career readiness, and lifelong success. We believe education and wellness are fundamental pillars for success, and their harmonious integration paves the way for brilliant and vibrant futures.

Founded in August of 2011 by the Grimm Family Education Foundation, GPS is committed to serving the Kern County community through high-quality public education. GPS currently operates two TK-8 schools, Grow Academy Arvin and Grow Academy Shafter, serving more than 1,600 students. With continued growth in mind, GPS plans to open two additional schools, expanding its reach to a total of 3,200 students.

Job Summary:

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) provides diagnostic, remedial, and consultative services for children with communicative disorders; performs as a support staff member in school to determine the specific needs of children who display speech, language, and hearing difficulties. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Screen pupils for communicative disorders and select cases according to appropriate criteria as determined by speech-language pathologist and the state and federal guidelines.
• Employ assessment procedures, techniques, and standardized tests necessary for thorough and accurate diagnosis of communication disorders
• Conduct thorough triennial assessments of speech/language deficits. 
  Assess and make necessary referrals for preschool children with communicative disorders
• Determine if students are eligible for services in the areas of articulation/phonology, abnormal voice, fluency, and language
• Provide written reports for parents and applicable personnel after assessments are completed
• In compliance with special education laws, develop, implement, and review Individualized Education Plans (IEP)
• Notify parent, administrator, and appropriate personnel of IEP meeting(s)
• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents by providing information, updates, and assistance to parents
• Convey pertinent information to appropriate personnel, including referrals to community agencies
• Schedule and provide individual and/or group therapy as determined by the IEP team
• Make appropriate referrals if a student's performance indicates the need for a more restrictive environment 
• Meet and confer with teachers about methods and techniques for addressing student needs and modifying speech, language, and hearing instruction
• Arrange for necessary materials and equipment for speech therapy activities
• Assume responsibility for implementation of Grow Academy policies, California State Department of Education regulations, and Federal regulations related to speech and language therapy services
• Participate in the formation of district policies, standards, objectives, guides, forms, and procedures related to speech therapy/pathology
• Acquaint members of the school staff and community about conditions and approaches to speech, language, and hearing needs
• Attend district meetings and required workshops to pursue continued professional growth through conferences, workshops, and coursework
• Related duties as assigned
  

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with student achievement data
• Knowledge of assessment and educational software
• Experience working with English learners  a plus
• Fluency in Spanish preferred; but not required 
  

Education and Experience:

• Valid California Speech-Language Pathologist license/credential
• Baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Master’s Degree from an ASHA-accredited university
• Preferred: American Speech Hearing Language Association Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech pathology or audiology. State License issued by State of California Board of Medical Quality Assurance Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee.
  

Physical requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The employee is occasionally required to push, move, lift or otherwise bear up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.  Specific hearing abilities are required by this job.

Work Environment: This position is in-person, in instructional facilities located in Kern County.