Speech-Language Pathology Department Head
New Way Academy is an independent, K-12 day school in Phoenix, Arizona. Our mission is to create a dynamic school experience that empowers children with learning differences to maximize their potential and prepare for life beyond our doors. We continually strive to provide exemplary educational instruction, state-of-the-art remediation for areas of challenge, optimal social experiences, and the opportunity to unlock strengths and talents. As a result, New Way develops confident lifelong learners who lead enhanced, productive lives and serve as positive examples of what individuals with learning differences can achieve.
New Way’s core values of respect, community, ownership, quality and engagement are at the heart of all that we do. New Way Academy is dedicated to approaching justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives with an intentional global mindset that places value and recognition on the diverse community members of New Way.
The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Department Head plays a key leadership role in overseeing the speech and language services provided to students. This individual is responsible for managing the school's speech-language pathology services, ensuring that students with communication disorders receive effective, individualized treatment and that the department's operations align with the school's educational goals. The role combines leadership, clinical expertise, and collaboration with educational staff to support student success.
Leadership and Supervision:
- Lead and manage a team of Speech-Language Pathologists and support staff (e.g., speech therapy assistants).
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide mentorship, and promote professional development opportunities for staff.
- Develop and implement department goals, aligning them with the broader objectives of the school.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where staff and students feel supported.
Clinical Oversight and Service Delivery:
- Analyze student records and create a tiered system for treatment planning for students with speech, language, and communication disorders.
- Ensure that individualized student goals are developed for eligible students and that therapy services are provided following these plans.
- Monitor the progress of students receiving speech therapy, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to meet their evolving needs.
- Work with other educators, administrators, and school counselors to address the broader academic and social-emotional needs of students with communication challenges, referring students to other professionals when appropriate (i.e PEERS group).
Collaboration with Educational Staff:
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and special education teams to ensure that students with communication disorders have access to appropriate accommodations and modifications in the classroom.
- Provide training and resources to teachers on how to support students with speech and language challenges in their classrooms.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences and other meetings to provide updates on student progress and discuss strategies for supporting students' language development.
Department Management and Administration:
- Manage the SLP department’s budget, ensuring that resources and equipment are appropriately allocated and maintained.
- Create and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and documentation, ensuring that all services meet legal and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure that all student records, including assessments and progress reports, are accurate, confidential, and up-to-date.
- Develop and implement a scheduling system that ensures efficient and effective delivery of therapy services.
Professional Development and Training:
- Stay current with best practices, emerging research, and advancements in the field of speech-language pathology.
- Lead professional development activities for the department and school community, including training teachers and staff on recognizing speech and language issues and how to support students.
- Encourage SLP staff to attend conferences, workshops, and other training opportunities to further their expertise and credentials.
Family and Community Engagement:
- Act as a liaison between the school and families, providing updates on students' progress and offering guidance on how to support communication development at home.
- Provide workshops or informational sessions for parents to help them understand speech and language issues and how they can contribute to their child’s progress.
Assessment, Data Collection, and Reporting:
- Lead the process of assessing students for intervention programs to address gaps in speech and language, utilizing appropriate tools and methods for evaluating needs.
- Collect and analyze data on student progress and therapy outcomes to guide treatment decisions and demonstrate the effectiveness of interventions.
- Prepare and present reports to the school’s leadership team regarding the status of the SLP program, including student outcomes, challenges, and accomplishments.
- Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate, occasionally works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate
- Regularly uses close and distance vision
- Works at a computer screen for extended periods of time
- Ability to observe students from various distances comfortably
- Works at a desk for extended periods of time, frequently moves around campus
- Ability to occasionally move items 30 lbs. across the campus
- Effectively deals with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
- Stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
- New Way requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.
- A current speech and language pathologist license.
- Competitive compensation based on experience
- Full benefits including medical, vision and dental plans
- Competitive 401K package
- School lunch provided
