About: Wheatley School is a unique educational setting that serves students aged 5-21 who qualify for Special Education services. Learners at Wheatley School are supported by a 1:1 para educator throughout their day to provide educational experiences, support activities of daily living and maintain safety. A focus of our programming across age groups is the building of functional life skills that will serve our students long after school services. 

The student population we serve present with a wide range of skills, needs and preferences.The majority of our students utilize augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modalities to effectively convey their needs and desires. As such, we prioritize integrating communication and AAC strategies into our educational framework to facilitate effective communication for all learners. Most Wheatley students present with below grade level academic skills and need support with emotional regulation. Many Wheatley students also experience differences with processing sensory input from their environment and are working on building a regulating foundation for accessing their school day safely. Students in our High School and Transition classrooms engage in community based instruction (CBI) which supports community safety, job skills and community leisure skills.

Department: Special Education

Program: Wheatley School

Reports to: Related Services Supervisor

Classification: Licensed Represented

Schedule: 200 days per year

Start Date: August 14th, 2024

*Salary listed reflects a start date of 8/14/24. A start date after this date will result in a pro-rated salary dependent on how many working days fall into the calendar/schedule developed.

POSITION PURPOSE:

To assess, provide direct instruction and provide services to language impaired students.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

1. Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives
2. Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through and student focus. 
3. Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness. 
4. Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective and collaborative manner. 
5. Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble and courageous. 
6. Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.
7. Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and puncuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers and programming outcomes. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Implement and oversee various AAC systems to address the unique needs of each student.
• Collaborate closely with other service providers and educators to assess, select, and customize solutions tailored to individual student needs.
• Provide guidance and coaching to staff and teachers on the effective integration and utilization of AAC systems within the classroom environment.
• Participate in regular multidisciplinary team meetings to develop comprehensive IEPs for students.
• Develop and implement AAC intervention plans tailored to individual student goals and objectives.
• Screen referred students for speech, language and/or hearing.
• Assess students to determine current level of performance.
• Determine level of service based upon current assessment.
• Draft an Individual Education Program (IEP) based upon student needs.
• Implement Individual Education Programs.
• Schedule speech and language training.
• Provide speech and language therapy.
• Develop speech and language program materials as needed and/or requested.
• Document student progress and monitor student performance.
• Conduct referral and follow-up activities.
• Act as a liaison with parents and related professionals or agencies regarding student services.
• Provide information and training to staff, parents, volunteers and community.
• Supervise  Speech Language Pathology Assistant staff
• Maintain records and write reports.
• Document, maintain, and submit speech and language services for Medicaid billing.
• Attend required meetings.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Coordinator/Supervisor or which are indicated to assure the physical and emotional well-being of students.
• Adhere to policies of the district and procedures of the department and/or section.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintain and submit records/reports to the Supervisor related to speech and language pathology.
2. Act as a resource person in the area of speech-language pathology and AAC services.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a wide variety of locations, including office and school environments. Work typically involves sitting, walking and attendance at evening and weekend meetings. This position requires the use of computers, office equipment and frequent local/regional travel. The ability to work remotely on a computer for a long period of time is required. Occasional out of state travel may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of his classification.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Mobility:  Frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.
2. Lifting:  Frequently up to 10 pounds; occasional up to 25 pounds.
3. Vision:  Constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.
4. Dexterity:  frequent use of keyboard; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
5. Hearing/talking:  frequent hearing and talking, in person and on telephone.
6. Emotional/Psychological:  frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or co-worker contact; occasional working alone.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Emotional and physical stamina to perform duties as required by the designated task except for temporary disability.
• Demonstrated experience in the assessment and implementation of multiple AAC systems.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle available for on-the-job use.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Previous experience in providing coaching and training to staff members is preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Hold a Speech-Language Pathology License as issued by the State of Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology and current Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech and language Pathology from the American Speech and Hearing Association.

BENEFITS: 

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents
• Two medical insurance plan options: 

• Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Opt-Out option

• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave and personal time off
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development 

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions  of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be  considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned,  including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that  there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender,  sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status,  genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. 

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as  required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may  contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance.  Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.