OUR VISION

As a SPARC employee, we will rely on you to reflect our vision for a community where everyone is understood, supported, loved and accepted for exactly who they are. Through every aspect of patient care and employee collaboration, we expect compassion, respect, and a high level of professionalism. 

SUMMARY

The Speech Language Pathologist provides evaluation, consultation, and therapeutic intervention services to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in accordance with IDEA Part C and Part B regulations, as applicable, and occur in natural environments, including children’s homes, preschools, childcare settings, classrooms, and other community locations. The Speech Language Pathologist collaborates with families and interdisciplinary team members to promote each child’s participation, independence, and developmental progress.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Education: Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology / Communication Disorders from an accredited program
2. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
   • Washington State Department of Health Speech Language Pathology License
   • Washington Educational Staff Associate Certificate (If applicable to assigned program)
   • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence required or in process
   • CPR and First Aid Certificate
   • Food Handlers Permit (If applicable to assigned program)
3. Experience: Previous experience with young children and/or children with disabilities is strongly recommended to ensure competency and knowledge in: program planning, development, and treatment coordination for children with a wide range of backgrounds, abilities, and medical conditions that may impact their development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(Include the following but are not limited to, other duties may be assigned)

• Arrive at work prepared, on time, and ready to support the therapy team
• Work and communicate professionally with students, families, and coworkers in a diverse environment
• Follow all safety procedures to always keep students and coworkers safe
• Maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA and FERPA regulations
• Attend and participate in all required staff training days
• Comply with all SPARC policies and procedures
• Evaluate and diagnose speech and language skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors
• Interpret evaluation results and develop individualized treatment plans based on each child’s strengths, needs, family priorities, and developmental goals
• Provide evidence-based speech-language therapy services in natural environments, including homes, preschools, childcare settings, and other community locations
• Utilize family-centered coaching strategies to educate and empower caregivers to support their child’s communication and developmental progress during daily routines
• Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary team members to develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as appropriate
• Modify treatment plans based on ongoing assessment, child progress, caregiver input, and changing developmental needs
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation, including evaluations, progress/treatment notes, treatment plans, and other records in accordance with agency policies, state and federal regulations, and professional standards
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, transition planning, and consultations with families, educators, medical providers, and community partners
• Provide consultation, education, and support to caregivers, teachers, childcare providers, and other professionals regarding communication development and intervention strategies
• Collaborate effectively with occupational therapists, physical therapists, developmental specialists, educators, and other team members to provide coordinated, comprehensive services
• Participate in transition planning for children moving into preschool or other educational and community programs
• Maintain professional licensure and continuing education requirements while participating in ongoing professional development activities
• Supervise Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), student interns, or clinical fellows as assigned and in accordance with state licensure requirements and agency policy
• Perform other related duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned to support program operations and organizational needs. Duties may be adjusted or expanded based on evolving program requirements, staffing needs, and service demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT

SPARC strives to provide an inclusive and inviting work environment.  We value a multidisciplinary, team-oriented approach in all services to our community. Therapy is provided in the home, classroom, or clinic settings depending on each child’s individual program and needs. Teams communicate and collaborate regularly in order to support each other and the families we serve. 

PROGRAM ASSIGNMENT

Speech Language Pathologists may be assigned to provide therapeutic services within the Birth-to-Three (Early Supports) Program, the Preschool Program, or both. Accordingly, certain duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description may not apply to every position or assignment. Specific responsibilities will be determined by program assignment, licensure, qualifications, and the operational needs of the organization.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Classification: Full-Time 36 hours per week

Pay: $42.41 – $56.51 per hour (Annual contracted hours are calculated and paid on a 12 month salary basis)

Reports to: Lead Therapist

Schedule: Monday – Thursdays work week with flexibility. 

Contract Type: 10 month school district year of September – June (additional hours and pay may be available during the summer months).

BENEFITS
(Benefits may vary based on full-time vs. part-time)

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual continuing education reimbursement opportunities
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with company match
• Reimbursement for work related mileage
• Reimbursement for applicable licenses 
• Sick time accrual of 1 hour for every 15 hours worked
• 2 weeks scheduled off during December for school district winter break
• 3 days scheduled off for Thanksgiving break
• 1 week scheduled off during April for school district spring break
• Summers off on a rotational basis with other therapists 
• 4 day work week

TRAVEL

This position requires regular travel throughout Skagit County to provide early support and preschool services in natural environments, including children’s homes, preschools, childcare settings, and other community locations. Employees must have reliable transportation, maintain a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance, and be able to safely transport therapy materials and equipment as needed. Travel between service locations is an essential function of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to spend periods of time:

• Sitting on the floor
• Stooping
• Kneeling
• Lifting children up to fifty pounds
• Bending over/down to children’s level
• Physically restraining a child (only when incorporated in the child’s behavior plan)

SPARC is an equal opportunity employer.

We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, ethnic or national origin, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, military or veteran status, leave status, or the presence of any mental, sensory, or physical disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. SPARC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship. These policies govern all aspects of employment, promotion, assignment, discharge, and other terms and conditions of employment.