Speech Therapist

Note: This a temporary 3 month assignment to cover the leave of absence for a full time employee. The anticipated date of mid-September 2025 to mid-December 2025. The per diem pay is $150.00. The itinerant travel area is Lewisburg and Mifflinburg early intervention program locations.

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Early Intervention / Preschool - Long Term Substitute

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: This position reports to the program supervisor of the Preschool / Early Intervention program and in his/her absence, to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement.

JOB DEFINITION: The speech therapist evaluates preschool children, develops Individualized Education Plans provides therapy and consults with other preschool staff regarding implementation of IEP communication goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates communication skills of preschool children.
• Completes associated documentation including evaluation reports, IEPs, progress notes, speech reports, progress monitoring, etc.
• Provides therapy in a variety of settings including home, centers and Head Start.
• Develops and follows weekly schedule.
• Collaborates with other team members, including parents, developing and carrying out IEPs, behavior plans or other goals for best programming for each child.
• Develops materials for use by preschool staff (i.e., PECs, augmentative devices, etc.).
• Prepares lesson plans.
• Attends in-services programs and conferences to meet to insure current comprehensive knowledge of best practices.
• Participate in IEP meetings as needed for children transitioning into and out of preschool therapy programs.
• Enters daily ITT/ACCESS data.
• Maintains organized records.
• Updates computer skills as program needs change to include data entry, work processing, Boardmaker, spread sheets, internet use.
• Provides in-service training as needed.
• Requisitions materials as budget allows.
• In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will perform behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor or the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum requirement is a Master's degree in the area of speech/language.
• Valid Pennsylvania Speech / Language Impaired teacher certification; and currently holding or in the process of obtaining, a Pennsylvania state licensure as a Speech Therapist.
• Experience with early language development and preschool children is required.
• Good interpersonal skills, excellent organizational / time management skills and knowledge of typical child development.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Obtain permanent teaching certification within necessary timelines.
• Accumulate Act 48 hours within necessary timelines.
• Earn Continuing Education hours to maintain professional (ASHA) and/or state licensure.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have strength and ability to lift young children (approximately 50 lbs.) and carry therapy bags.
• Must be able to negotiate stairs and rough terrain at centers and homes.
• Must be able assist children with self-help skills.
• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary). Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping, and squatting.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a non-exempt, temporary substitute position (approximately 12 weeks in duration and not to exceed 80 working days maximum) to cover the leave of absence of a current full-time employee. Position involves working 7.5 hours per day for a total of 37.5 hours per week.
• Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
• Must have the ability to travel to various work locations and able to arrive at various locations on schedule over a wide geographic area.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

• All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
• The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
• The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.