Speech Language Pathologist

Description

Licensed Speech Language Pathologist Opportunity! 

Pine Tree Society is excited to announce a unique opportunity for a Speech Language Pathologist to participate in a new pilot immersion program. 

This innovative, grant-funded position provides an exceptional opportunity for a Speech-Language Pathologist to gain hands-on clinical experience in specialized areas such as augmentative and alternative communication, early intervention service delivery and collaboration, and additional assistive technology tools for learning. 

The Speech Language Pathologist will be learning in a supportive, collaborative environment while working within a school setting amidst other Pine Tree Society teammates.  They will also be immersed and learn the specific values, actions and behaviors that create the impact that makes up Pine Tree Society’s 90 years of “Discovering Abilities Together.”  

As part of this opportunity, this candidate will... 

• Receive direct training, professional mentorship, immersion in Pine Tree Society and school partnership community culture and meaningful experiences serving children with a wide range of developmental, intellectual, physical, and neurological disabilities.  
• Learn and be prepared to independently create the individualized, integrated, experience immersed in a school community, collaboratively with other providers that results in changed communication opportunities for students of all abilities.  
• Have the opportunity to participate, observe, learn and replicate best practices across Pine Tree Society’s programming, including a collaborative early learning center and barrier-free accessible camp.  
• Learn how Pine Tree Society delivers services with Positivity, Creativity, Collaboration, and respect for each child and family’s communication needs. This will include intentional exposure to family-centered practice, inclusive preschool supports, interdisciplinary teaming, assistive technology and augmentative communication, responsive coaching, and strategies that help children communicate meaningfully across daily routines and environments. This model will also emphasize not only clinical skill development, but the Pine Tree Society way of practicing: high expectations, compassionate service, practical problem-solving, strong partnerships, and a belief that early communication access can change the trajectory of a child’s learning, participation, and independence. 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Pine Tree Society Mission, Values & Programming

• Intentional participation and development within Pine Tree Society’s mission, values, team and collaborative approach, and “how can we?" mindset of creating communication and access for all.    
• Participation in pilot immersion sessions, teaming with school partners, and other Pine Tree Society programs to learn and implement what makes Pine Tree Society unique in creating impact and accessibility for people with disabilities. 

Speech Language Pathology Early Intervention Service Delivery & Teaming

• Delivery of pre-school services for students identified with speech-language impairments at partner schools that help children in the achievement of IEP goals. 
• Teaming with preschool teams, parents, and other related service providers to improve student progress toward IEP goals. 
• Conducting comprehensive assessments in the area of speech and language  
• Learn to perform AAC evaluations and determine appropriate low-tech and high-tech AAC systems to meet individual needs. 
• Develop and implement individualized therapy plans including those that integrate AAC systems and functional communication goals. 
• Learn how to provide training and support to clients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary staff on AAC device use and maintenance. 
• Monitor client progress; make adjustments to communication plans, and documents as needed.  
• Learn how to educate stakeholders on communication accessibility, language development, including the importance of AAC for individuals with complex needs. 
• Learn about the current emerging AAC technologies, tools, and best practices through coaching and mentoring. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience  

• Master's degree in Speech Pathology is required. 
• State of Maine Speech-Pathologist license is required. 
• Certificate of Clinical Competence. 

Requirements 

• Knowledge of a variety of speech and language delays and disorders. 
• Ability to use standardized, modified and criterion-referenced assessment procedures and techniques to identify a communicative need. 
• Ability to document findings and recommendations in comprehensive written evaluation reports. 
• Ability to identify goals and objectives and/or strategies and procedures that will meet identified needs, provide a variety of options when necessary, and guide a team through the choices. 
• Communication skills necessary to respond to questions and to clearly explain the options, research and theories behind speech and language recommendations to clients, families, caregivers, service providers and others involved in supporting a client. 
• Ability to respond to questions in a clear, user-friendly and professional manner. 
• Ability to organize time effectively and remain flexible in order to meet occasionally competing demands also requiring time and attention. 
• Commitment to advancing the mission of Pine Tree Society to provide Maine children and adults with disabilities the opportunities and the means to create better lives for themselves and their families. 
• Commitment to creating and maintaining a supportive work environment aligned with Pine Tree Society's values Positivity, Creativity, Collaboration, and Community.  

Pay
$60,000- $65,000 depending on experience  

Location and Schedule 

Public School, 30 min. outside of Portland.  
Full time, Monday- Friday schedule. Guaranteed 9-month contract during grant-funded pilot period, with potential for permanent extension.   

Employee Benefits 

In addition to being a part of a supportive and impact focused team, our team members also enjoy a competitive benefit package that includes the following offerings:  

• Comprehensive health, and vision insurance options for you and your family, as well as employer paid dental insurance.  
• Paid life insurance and short-term disability 
• A generous paid time off (PTO) accrual policy that includes 15 days/year to start, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 2 floating holidays of your choice. 
• Retirement plan with employer match and annual discretionary contributions 
• Paid training, certifications, and career development opportunities 
• Tuition advancement program of up to $5,250 a year for degree programs at an accredited college or university 
• An extensive Employee Assistance Program (includes free counseling, mental health support, wellness resources, financial education support, and more!) 
• Access to discounted rates on voluntary insurances (includes accident, illness, cancer, additional life, and disability insurances) 

About Pine Tree Society  

Since 1936, Pine Tree Society has been proudly supporting Mainers with disabilities breakdown barriers and lead active, socially connected lives. Our services include Pine Tree Camp, two Community Support Programs, Case Management Services, Sign Language Interpreting, Audiology, Speech/Language Services, and our Early Learning Center.