Speech Pathologist

Speech Pathologist - Part Time - School Setting

REPORTS TO: East Tennessee Children's Hospital

JOB GOALS:

• • • Responsible for providing speech and language diagnostic and therapy services at Emerald Charter School in accordance with state and federal regulations and standards of practice as set forth by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).
    • Completes evaluations of assigned scholars in accordance with the established standards of care and practice: Independently performs consultations/evaluations on scholars according to best practices and departmental standards, Identifies needs and strengths that reflect an accurate assessment of scholar's status, Completes comprehensive assessment based on scholars developmental status, Completes reassessment for scholars whose care is ongoing, Suggests adding new standardized measure and outcome tools as they become available and have applicability to scholar population.
    • Establishes interventions and specific measurable outcomes that are consistent with identified needs and strengths, Identifies goals, outcomes and timeframes that are realistic, measurable and address functional needs and strengths, Modifies and updates the plan (IEP) of care based on scholar progress and caregiver input, Supports modifications to the plan or care with documentation of clinical decision-making in reports, notes and progress summaries.
    • Provides skilled therapy, reassessing scholar status during each session ensuring quality of care: Selects and performs therapeutic techniques that are appropriate to scholar's needs and medical status, reflecting therapist's clinical knowledge and theory. Provides scholar/caregiver education regarding treatment, precautions and equipment use and documents scholar/caregiver understanding/demonstration provided. Plans discharge at evaluation and throughout the course of treatment based on scholar response, caregiver goals, participation, IEP and progress. Prepares the scholar and family for episodic transition and discharge from therapy and provides education to determine if/when follow-up therapy services are indicated. Develops/revises competencies and plans that utilize current therapy standards of care for a variety of scholar conditions and populations and family-centered planning and informed decision making. Identifies new/revised treatment tools and approaches and assists in implementation when appropriate. Independently manages own patient schedule with efficiency and timeliness. Manages unforeseen events with confidence and professionalism.

• • • Completes all documentation of services per department standards: Independently writes clear, concise, relevant and inclusive documentation that facilitates communication of the scholar's status and ongoing needs. Therapist adheres to all procedures and documentation standards per Rehabilitation standard operating procedures.
    • Meets all competencies for work specific assignments evidenced by successful completion of area specific competency checklist(s).
    • Promotes and maintains professional relationships with others internal and external to care giving.
    • Is sensitive to the needs, feelings and capabilities of others. Approaches others in a non-threatening way and pleasant manner and treats them with respect.
    • Proactively seeks performance feedback and identifies approaches to improve performance.
    • Promotes and maintains effective communication: Responds timely to messages from providers, other departments, caregivers, and other internal and external customers. Checks and responds to email and voicemail at the beginning and end of each workday at a minimum. Addresses conflicts in a timely and professional manner. Communicates upward, keeping manager informed of pertinent issues and concerns. Assesses situations and implements most appropriate communication style, (i.e. guiding, directing, following) per Motivational Interviewing strategies. Communicates politely and respectfully, promoting collaborative relationships. Expresses alternate points of view in a non-threatening way. Knows when it's appropriate to compromise and when it is important to take a stand.
    • Assumes responsibility for own growth and development. Assists others with training education, growth and development: Maintains and enhances clinical knowledge and skills. Pursues alternative continuing education opportunities. Attends all in-service education when scheduled to work. Keeps current with departmental issues and operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must hold a Tennessee License and any needed endorsements.
• Must meet highly qualified status for area(s). Experience preferred, but not required.
• Must possess a passion for the work itself.
• Must thrive in an innovative environment.
• Must work collaboratively to form creative solutions.
• Must have record of demonstrated expertise in their domain.
• Must demonstrate a growth mindset-Flexibility to learn new methods and present ideas to improve learning and the school.
• Must believe all kids can learn and achieve at high academic levels.

START DATE: TBD

THE ORGANIZATION:

Emerald Academy is Knoxville's first college preparatory charter school. We are committed to the singular focus of growing all our scholars into leaders. We are a K-8 School of high expectations that creates the right learning culture for city students to thrive through our innovative use of time, personalized focus on each scholar and strong partnerships with scholar's families and the community. East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a leader in care and commitment.

We believe that all students should read at or above grade level by third grade. We are committed to have our students perform in the top 5% of the state within our first decade of existence. We will develop in our scholars the skills, habits and values for them to graduate from high school, enroll in college and succeed in life.

Emerald Academy values its staff for their professional knowledge and abilities to foster student achievement. We will create an environment where teachers are empowered to make instructional decisions using the most current student evidence (data) and the team's instructional expertise.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Emerald Academy is looking for an innovative, highly-motivated, and values-aligned leader to help grow scholars into leaders in urban Knoxville. EA is seeking individuals who are goal orientated and dedicated to the school's mission, vision, and values. These leaders will have the unique opportunity to mold the next chapter of Emerald Academy by embracing the student-centered learning environment that every child will be college-bound and career ready. Emerald Academy believes that it is possible to change the trajectory for our city's young people and that it can be done at scale. Faculty endeavor to work each day to help accomplish the school's three goals. Every scholar will read at or above grade level, every scholar will be well prepared to attend a four-year college, and EA will be ranked in the top 5% of all schools in the state of Tennessee.