Speech-Language Pathologist

The Division of Specialized Instruction (DSI) works to provide a high quality continuum of services in an inclusive environment so every student with disabilities is prepared for success in college, career, and life. The division works with schools to design, implement, and monitor programs and supports for students with disabilities.

The Speech and Language Pathologist supports the student’s ability to derive full benefits from the district’s educational program. The scope of work has impact through the Office of Teaching and Learning in the Public Schools of the District of Columbia. The Speech and Language Pathologist will eliminate, reduce, and/or provide compensatory strategies in the area of speech and language development.

This position is a safety-sensitive position. As a result, throughout employment this position will be subject to the Employee Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.

The Speech and Language Pathologist (10-month) will report to the Manager, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides online and/or in-person direct and indirect clinical services to students who have been diagnosed with an academically-based communication disorder in areas of articulation, languages, voice, and/or fluency.
• Provides and completes on-line or in-person comprehensive diagnostic assessments of speech, voice, and language impairments; and determines the presence/absence of a specific communication disorder which adversely impacts academic progress.
• Serves as a resource to school staff members by developing a balanced program for oral communication and speech, language, and literacy development.
• Provides direct/indirect service to students diagnosed with a swallowing disorder as it relates to the educational environment.
• Provides an implemented therapeutic program to meet the individual needs of students with diagnosed communication impairment.
• Assists and guides teachers in observing, describing, and referring suspected and identified speech and language impairments.
• Assists in proper referrals of students to agencies and specialists in the community, as appropriate.
• Provides appropriate individualized programs of therapy to meet individual students’ needs and correct existing speech or language impairments.
• Compiles case history data on those cases where additional family history, health history, and early developmental history are deemed appropriate.
• Maintains all documents required to file Medicaid claims, including the documentation of students’ progress according to DCPS Policy and Procedure.

Qualifications

Experienced Speech-Language Pathologists must meet the following Education and Experience Requirements: 

• Master’s degree (MA/MS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology.
• Eligible for District of Columbia’s Department of Health (DOH) license in the area of Speech-Language Pathology; and  must hold DC DOH license within three months of hire of date.
• Holds a Master’s degree (MA/MS) in Communication Science and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology.
• Proof of passing the Praxis National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Proof of completion of Clinical Fellowship or proof of ASHA certification.
• Complete and pass Criminal Background Check.
• If the SLP currently holds a license in another state, then he/she can obtain his/her DC DOH via “Endorsement."
• Eligible for AHSA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Eligible for Instructional Credentials from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.

Clinical Fellow Candidates must meet the following Education and Experience Requirements: 

• Proof of passing the Praxis National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Holds a Master’s degree (MA/MS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology.
• Effective May 1, 2018 must hold DC DOH Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow license.
• Must hold DC DOH license within three months following the completion of Clinical Fellowship term.
• Eligible for ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Completion of Clinical Fellowship experience must be completed within two (2) years of DCPS hire date.
• Eligible for Instructional Credentials from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.