Speech-Language Pathologist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the RSP Manager, Speech-Language Pathology, Speech-Language Pathologists are responsible for the provision of speech and language diagnostic and therapeutic services to students, collaboration with and support of parents and school support staff, and participation as a multidisciplinary team member.

Speech-Language Pathologists are assigned to schools based on the citywide needs of the district. Job requirements related to general and special education services, evaluation, staffing, and mandated therapeutic services are expected. Within the context of the CPS Framework for Speech-Language Pathologists, all SLPs should utilize a continuous improvement process that refines their practice.

The Speech-Language Pathologist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Provide therapeutic services to eligible students using a continuum of service delivery models.
• Provide diagnostic assessment services to students using the established eligibility and exit criteria.
• Develop and implement IEPs utilizing an educationally-based model with goals aligned to educational standards.
• Participate in required Domain, Problem Solving, FIE, and Annual Review meetings as needed.
• Provide consultation to teachers, parents, and staff.
• Provide staff education training to school staff and parents.
• Program and utilize augmentative/alternative communication systems.
• Participate in activities that support students’ educational programs.
• Attend regional and departmental meetings.
• Complete compliance activities such as daily progress notes, weekly documentation of all services delivered, quarterly report of student achievement (IEP report cards), and monthly caseload statistics.
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound professional judgment, especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students.
• Prioritize student safety through the consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school-wide systems of management and discipline.
• Personalize student supports through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available.
• Advocate for the district’s vision and commit to our district’s common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility.
• Perform diagnostic assessments for students needing initial evaluations, re-evaluations, or special evaluations and participate in all meetings/conferences to determine eligibility for and adequacy of services on an annual or as-needed basis
• Support students with a wide range of speech–language-related issues to meet academic performance standards. SLPs work includes prevention, assessment, intervention, and program design efforts that are integrated within a school curriculum in conjunction with teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Complete required supervisory activities of CFY candidates and practicum students as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records and follow established departmental policies and procedures.
• All clinicians participating in the Health Services Management Program (HSMP) must comply with all policies and procedures of the program as detailed in the ChildServe User Manual and the HSMP Reference Manual to ensure the full delivery, accurate recording, and timely reporting of the services provided to students.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Speech-Language Pathologist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• A graduate degree in communication disorders or speech pathology from an accredited University or College program.

• A valid license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Professional Regulations endorsed as a Speech Pathologist.

Other Requirements

• Willing to travel to multiple school locations as a citywide speech-language pathologist as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You‘ll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinoi s.