Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist 

FTE:  0.5  FTE

Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) is an award-winning language immersion public charter school in Forest Lake, Minnesota. LILA prepares tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language acquisition and inquiry-driven study. Convenient to both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, LILA is located close to the 35W-35E split in the North Metro.

Job Summary:  Provide services to students with speech/language disabilities based on their identified Individual Education Program (IEP) needs and in collaboration with the IEP Team. Work in cooperation with other Speech Language Pathologists (SLP). Work involves providing direct instruction for students who qualify for speech services under the MN Special Education Speech Criteria. Serve as a member of the educational team by consulting and collaborating with other SLP, school staff and Special Education team regarding services to students. Additional duties include contributing to the comprehensive evaluation, developing IEPs and documenting services and progress. Work is performed under the direction of the Director of Special Education. 

Essential Functions:   

• Pre-referral consultation to general and special education teachers. 

• Comprehensive initial and reevaluations for all types of communication disabilities. 

• Direct intervention services to students in the least restrictive environment (include classroom-based service). 

• Case management for students with speech-language impairments only. 

• Complete due process compliance, third-party billing, program data collection, funding reports, etc. 

• Prepare educational plans (IEP) and materials and update district forms.

• Implement appropriate methods for meeting and documenting educational objectives for each child.

• Document daily progress after every therapy session.

• Evaluate student performance through data collection and complete Special Education due process paperwork. 

• Report progress related to goals.

• Participate in parent and teacher communication.

• Complete screenings.

• Engage in age-appropriate instructional strategies for students with speech services.

• Provide differentiated instruction in elementary, middle school and/or high school.

• Maintain therapy materials in an organized, clean and accessible manner.

• Communicate closely and encourage parental involvement regarding program goals, school functions and student progress.

• Infuse international-mindedness into methods for services on a continual basis.

• Attend weekly meetings and trainings, participate in regular planning and staff development activities.

• Maintain knowledge of current and emerging trends and procedures in language education.

• Participate in professional development for language immersion, Responsive Classroom, and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program and Diploma Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of specialty area.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of providing effective interventions and skills training for students.

• Thorough knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in the special education process for diagnostic and evaluative procedures

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state mandates and local procedures and regulations relating to special education program

• Thorough skill in the use of personal computers and related software packages, hardware and peripheral equipment.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills

• Ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, parents, students, administrators, community agencies and the general public. 

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a valid Minnesota Speech Language Pathologist license.

Preferences:

• Experience as a Speech Language Pathologist.

• International Baccalaureate experience helpful.

• Language Immersion experience preferred.

• Spanish or Mandarin Chinese language proficiency helpful, but not a must.

Physical Requirements:

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle or feel, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a quiet location (e.g. library, private office, conference room). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.