Assistive Technology Speech Language Pathologist

This position supports students with complex communication needs by evaluating, recommending, and implementing appropriate assistive technology (AT), including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) (Assistive Technology) works collaboratively with educators, families, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure that students have access to effective tools and strategies to support functional communication across educational settings.

Essential Job Functions:

• Complies with state and federal regulations, as well as Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) special education policy and procedures

• Maintains ongoing and up-to-date documentation of all services provided, device use, and progress, as well as documentation required for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Medicaid billing

• Conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine students needs for assistive technology, particularly with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams (including Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and special education staff) during evaluations

• Collects and interprets data on student performance to guide AT decision-making

• Recommends appropriate AT devices/software to support communication, including speech-generating devices and communication applications

• Assists in the acquisition and customization of AT tools to meet individual student needs

• Supports the setup, integration, and troubleshooting of devices

• Works closely with IEP teams to develop appropriate goals related to communication and AT

• Participates in IEP meetings as needed, contributing input on communication needs and AT use

• Serves as a member of Child Study Committees, as appropriate

• Alerts appropriate personnel of any IEP modifications and/or accommodations related to AT

• Consults regularly with teachers and instructional staff on incorporating AT into the curriculum

• Provides training for educational staff and families on AAC and AT strategies

• Stays current with emerging technologies and best practices in the AT field

• Coaches other SLPs and school personnel in effective implementation of AT

• Performs other duties as assigned

This position has no budgetary responsibility.

Prepares numerous required reports, such as evaluations, progress reports, and IEP and Medicaid documentation

Operates personal computer, general office equipment, and specialized equipment pertaining to students with assistive technology needs

This position has regular contact with all levels of CCPS personnel, students, and parents, as well as various outside agencies for the purpose of identification and provision of services.

This position may provide work direction and/or indirect supervision to graduate students, Clinical Fellowship Year Speech-Language Pathologists (CFY-SLPs), and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants.

This position performs the majority of functions independently, and requires a high level of independent decision-making.

This position does not have any formal policy-setting responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to use a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear, understand speech and speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly at normal levels indoors and on the telephone. Frequent walking, standing, light lifting up to 25 pounds. Physical agility to drive, bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk and reach overhead. Frequent movement throughout the school facilities is required. Occasional lifting of objects up to 40 pounds and moving of students weighing up to 150 pounds with assistive equipment may be necessary. Occasional movement of students by wheelchair and other mechanical devices may be necessary. Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary.

The employee regularly works in a school setting. The noise level typically ranges from quiet to moderate, but may vary regularly. Exposure to potentially infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens is possible.

Working knowledge of a broad range of AT tools and strategies, especially augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, both low-tech (e.g., picture exchange systems) and high-tech (e.g., speech-generating devices). Extensive knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and other laws impacting AT service delivery in educational settings. Expertise in both Speech-Language Pathology and Assistive Technology. Experience with standardized and informal tools for evaluating communication needs and AT suitability. Competence in programming, customizing, and troubleshooting various AT and AAC devices and applications. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Must hold a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited institution and a current license in Speech Pathology issued by the Virginia Board of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP). Valid VA Drivers License.

Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation

• State Police Criminal History Investigation

• Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation

• Tuberculosis Screening/Test

Chesterfield County Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities for employees as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, the administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position and does not imply an employment contract.