Speech Therapist/ AAC

Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) is a day and residential facility for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing. This position functions primarily as a Speech and Language Therapist with an emphasis on augmentative and alternative communication for the school portion of the Michigan School for the Deaf. MSD is seeking an imaginative, self-motivated, student-focused educator with a high level of curiosity, humility, and passion for student learning and growth. This individual will work collaboratively, as a part of a multidisciplinary team, to provide speech and language therapy services and to facilitate the consideration, trial, and implementation of AAC technology and strategies that support students. This role requires the belief that both students and adults can utilize multiple languages and communication modalities to improve educational environments and outcomes. It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will help to advance the mission and vision of MSD.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Collaborate with IEP teams to efficiently and adequately consider, select, trial, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of communication technology
Reflect on current best practices, processes, and/or systems to promote AAC use in the classroom
Communicate student progress and development with parents and staff in a timely fashion
Establish a cooperative relationship with all students
Educate families and raise awareness about American Sign Language (ASL)/English bilingualism and the importance of a strong first language foundation for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children
Use knowledge of curriculum, instructional expectations, and learning environments to support student engagement and growth
Provide consultation in partnership with educators, families, and students to increase independence with communication in a variety of environments and provide access to instruction
Facilitate opportunities for diverse, interprofessional collaboration to identify potential solutions, come to consensus, and support student and educator growth
Design and deliver engaging and informative job-embedded supports (e.g., coaching, PLC, workshops, training sessions) for families and teachers
Design and implement therapeutic intervention strategies
Maintain student records and progress notes.
Participate in IEPs addendums, REEDs, parent/teacher conferences
Prepare reports and prepares documents related to the work such as speech evaluations, IEP reports, individual goals and objectives and progress reports.
Maintain awareness of technology innovations to inform future technology applications and purchases
Maintain a personal professional development agenda to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills about new developments in learning, coaching, and technology as they become available
Demonstrate effective skills in evaluating and providing services to students who demonstrate one or more of the following communication delays that adversely affects educational performance:
Articulation impairment
Voice impairment
Inappropriate language functioning for the child’s age in the areas of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, or pragmatic use of aural/oral language
QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and a State License in Speech Pathology is required for all levels.
Clinical Fellows (CF’s) are welcome to apply.
Experience with AAC technology is preferred. MSD is willing to pay for training.
Sign Language is preferred, but not required for hire. MSD will provide ASL classes.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Strong interpersonal, written, and communication skills
Embrace a team-based collaborative approach focused on building the capacity and knowledge of all stakeholders
Knowledgeable of special education laws, including but not limited to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)