Speech and Language Pathologist: Special Education Fairmount Campus (Lower/Middle School) $2500 Hiring Incentive

As a Speech and Language Pathologist at Kennedy Krieger Institute, your responsibilities include conducting functional assessments of speech, language, and feeding/oral motor skills, developing and implementing intervention programs, maintaining documentation on student progress, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support student services. Your role is key in helping students overcome communication hurdles and achieve educational progress.

To qualify for the Speech and Language Pathologist position at Kennedy Krieger Institute, candidates must hold a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology, possess a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and hold or be eligible for licensure in Maryland. Experience working with children with communication disorders is also essential for this role.

At Kennedy Krieger Institute, Speech and Language Pathologists have access to rich professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and career paths. This includes continuous training, workshops, and collaborative team-building activities aimed at maintaining high standards of service delivery and professional growth in the field of speech and language pathology.

Kennedy Krieger Institute is committed to supporting communication needs for lower and middle school students by providing specialized intervention strategies tailored to each child's requirements. Our Speech and Language Pathologists focus on fostering communication skills through personalized programs, collaboration with families, and a strong emphasis on creating a student-centered learning environment that addresses the specific deficits each child may face.

Speech and Language Pathologists at Kennedy Krieger Institute enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401K plan with employer matching, tuition reimbursement for further education, student debt relief programs, as well as free parking and childcare subsidies. Additionally, we offer a supportive environment that values employee health and well-being.

When developing IEPs for students, it's essential to individualize the approach based on each child's unique needs. Highlight how you gather input from parents, teachers, and other professionals, assess current capabilities versus goals, and continuously evaluate progress to ensure that the IEP remains effective and relevant throughout the academic year.

Assessing a student's communication abilities involves using standardized tests, informal observations, and interviews with parents and teachers. Discuss how you prioritize understanding each child's specific challenges, strengths, and support systems to guide your assessment process effectively, ensuring the information obtained informs appropriate intervention strategies.

Be prepared to share a specific intervention program highlighting your problem-solving abilities. Discuss your goal-setting process, methods used, and how you tracked progress. Emphasize the positive outcomes for the student and any adjustments you made along the way to increase effectiveness, especially in relation to communication milestones.

Effective collaboration is vital to student success. Share examples of how you've engaged with teachers and multidisciplinary teams, such as attending meetings, developing joint strategies, and providing resources or training. Highlighting communication channels you employ ensures everyone is aligned in supporting students' needs.

Staying updated in speech-language pathology is crucial. Discuss how you engage in continuing education, attend workshops or webinars, participate in professional organizations, and read current literature in the field. This showcases your commitment to professional growth and applying innovative practices for your students.

Involving families in therapy is essential for reinforcing skills outside the session. Discuss your approach to regularly communicate with parents about strategies, progress, and how they can support their child's learning at home. Emphasizing family education helps ensure consistency and strengthens the therapeutic relationship.

Tailoring communication strategies requires understanding each student's unique background and capabilities. Share approaches like incorporating assistive technology, visual aids, or phonemic awareness exercises, adjusting your methods to match the child's ways of understanding and expressing themselves to enhance communication effectively.

Share your passion for helping children find their voices and reach their potential. Discuss specific aspects of the role that inspire you, such as witnessing students overcome challenges or the joy of collaborating with families and colleagues. This personal touch can resonate with interviewers and reflect your commitment to the profession.

Handling resistance requires patience and understanding. Discuss methods such as building rapport, using engaging activities that cater to their interests, and setting small attainable goals that foster a sense of achievement. These strategies can help create a more positive therapy experience and encourage active participation over time.

Talk about the various tools you have experience with, such as standardized tests, observational assessments, and digital platforms that support intervention. Highlight your expertise in selecting appropriate tools based on the child's needs and the goals of therapy, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the assessment and intervention process.