Speech Language Pathologist Fall 2027

• Position Title: Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Location: Great Hearts Blossom Rock (10100 South Miners Way Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120)
• Reports To: Headmaster

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation Type: Salaried

Position Summary

The core responsibilities of the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) are (a) planning and oversight of the speech-language services provided; (b) screening, evaluating, diagnosing and advising; (c) managing and conducting therapy interventions; (d) adhering to local, state, federal regulations and ethical practices; and (e) to act as a liaison for students with speech and language needs. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to and love for the liberal arts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning and Oversight

• Organizes a program that addresses school speech-language goals.
• Contributes to the development of program guidelines as appropriate.
• Cooperates with the Great Hearts lead office, community, and/or state programs to affect comprehensive services.
• Attends meetings, such as faculty meetings, special meetings, and parent-teacher conferences, as needed.
• Schedules interventions using a variety of service delivery models, including classroom intervention, consultation/collaboration and pull-out as appropriate to meet student needs in the least restrictive environment.
• Coordinates speech-language services provided by speech language pathology assistants.

Collaborates with school personnel such as teachers, and other related service providers to best meet the needs of all students.

Meets with related school personnel to coordinate specific objectives for individualized educational programs (IEPs).

• Safeguards confidentiality of student records.
• Adheres to established rules, regulations, laws and appropriate ethical standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state and local rules, regulations and laws.
• Maintain an inventory of speech materials, assessments, etc.
• Participates in recruitment and hiring of Speech Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs)
• Provide and document appropriate supervision of the SLPAs.

Screening, Evaluating, Diagnosing and Advising

• Conducts speech and language screenings.
• Serves on the Student Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.
• Administers formal and informal (ongoing & curriculum-based) assessments.
• Observes students in educational environments.
• Analyzes and interprets information to make recommendations regarding the need for speech-language services.
• Presents and explains data to IEP Team.

Presents information to school personnel about language disorders as they relate to literacy and interactive communication skills.

Presents information to school personnel about speech disorders (articulation, voice, fluency) and their impact on communication and learning.

• Provides information to parents and teachers about speech, language and hearing development.
• Provides information to school personnel and parents about current procedures and program guidelines.

Managing and Conducting Therapy

• Collaborates/consults with classroom teachers in the management of speech-language disorders.
• Plans evidence-based interventions appropriate for individual students and groups of students.
• Initial supervision training prior to supervision and upgrade supervision training on a regular basis

Provide Ongoing Training to SLPAs

• Informs academy faculty and families about the frequency and duration of services, and level of supervision
• Make all clinical decisions (e. g., eligibility for services, dismissal from treatment)
• Communicate with academy faculty, parents, and other relevant team members about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan
• Review each treatment plan with the SLPA at least weekly
• Delegate specific tasks to the SLPA while retaining legal and ethical responsibility for all speech-language services
• Prepare individualized treatment plans and make modifications as necessary

Sign All Formal Documents

• Review and sign all informal progress notes prepared by the SLPA.
• Ensure the assistant only performs tasks within the ASHA-approved job responsibilities of the speech-language pathology assistant
• Participate in performance appraisal of the SLPA.
• Adhering to Local, State, Federal Regulations and Ethical Practices:
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of statewide testing procedures.
• Abides by professional code of ethics.
• Develops appropriate IEPs based on students' strengths & needs.
• Demonstrates awareness of professional performance in due process matters and litigious environments.
• Submits to the appropriate person(s) and maintains a schedule for speech-language screening, diagnostic assessments, therapy/instructional services and other activities.
• Keeps an updated schedule of each student's therapy.

Participates in professional meetings, continuing education opportunities and workshops directly related to the speech-language-hearing profession.

Liaison

• Provides consultation to parents, teachers and other appropriate school personnel.
• Seeks the assistance of teachers, parents and others to meet the communication needs of students.
• Gives written information to teachers, parents and others on ways to foster speech-language growth.
• Talks with teachers formally and informally about individual student's needs and progress.
• Consults/communicates with non-school agencies to enhance services.

Requests specific information on individual student's receiving services from non-school agencies (e. g., clinics, hospitals, physicians, health departments, day care centers, etc.) with signed release of information.

Makes recommendations and referrals for audiological/medical and related services.

Required/Preferred Education: Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Speech Pathology or Communication Disorders.

Required/Preferred Experience: Two years of school-based experience preferred.

Required/Preferred Skills

• Certificate from ADE and ADHS required.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA required.

Special Skills

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with staff and site team members.
• Ability to contribute and participate in the assessment, intervention and documentation process.
• Proficient in the use of technology.

Physical Functions: Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

• US work authorization is required, but we do accept OPT/CPT candidates.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.
• Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.