Communications Specialist
Plans, organizes and provides diagnostic services and therapy for children with speech and language disabilities. Demonstrates, and instructs students in language and speech development processes and performs diagnostic assessment in determining speech and language performance levels of students referred and/or serviced.
Initial Position Qualifications
• Possesses an earned Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university with a major emphasis in the area of the speech and language disorders
• Possesses a valid California teaching credential authorizing service as a Communications Specialist at the level and/or specialization of the assignment
Goals of Effective Performance
Plans, organizes, develops and conducts an intensified diagnostic and therapeutic program for children experiencing speech and language disorders. Provides appropriate and effective language and speech therapy experiences for students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and with varying mental, social and emotional abilities. Effectively assesses speech and language disorders and implements sound and appropriate remediation programs. Provides a stimulating speech and language therapy environment. Performs research and development functions and activities pertaining to speech and language therapy programs, and motivates students experiencing speech and language difficulties in the resolution of specific speech disorders.
Selected Duties and Responsibilities
• Performs diagnostic assessments of student speech and language development using standardized tests and developmental speech and language inventories
• Consults with teachers regarding students’ speech and language status and management
• Confers with parents regarding speech and language status and management and coordinates parent activities in relation to classroom and therapy instructional processes
• Confers with instructional staff in the assessment and remediation of speech and language disabilities
• Provides individual and group stimulation of speech and language abilities, utilizing behavior modification, oral facilitation, phonemic vocalization, vocabulary development, auditory memory, and expressive language
• Plans, organizes and performs intensive individualized speech and language programs for students experiencing multiple handicapping conditions
• Maintains clinical file recordings of speech and language evaluation information, observations, and recommendations for the remediation of speech and language disabilities
• May develop an individualized speech workbook to supplement home training and to facilitate speech and language exercises and activities
• Utilizes a variety of instructional aids and equipment in remediating communication disabilities and may demonstrate uses of he instructional materials and equipment to instructional personnel
Selected Duties and Responsibilities (Continued)
• Evaluates students experiencing speech and language difficulties and reports therapy progress to the instructional staff and to parents
• Maintains appropriate standards of student behavior, utilizing a variety of behavior management strategies and techniques, emphasizing positive reinforcement and behavior shaping procedures
• Selects and requisitions appropriate instructional supplies, materials, equipment and learning aids
• May perform a variety of non-instructional duties, including therapy and instructional development activities, students supervision, and advisory and consultation functions
Supervision and Evaluation
Supervision under the immediate direction of the school site administrator; Communication Specialists shall be evaluated by the school principal in accordance with the Certificated Employment Agreement and/or the appropriate Governing Board policies and/or regulations.
