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Job Details

Job ID: 5286899

Job Description

Reports To: Senior Director of Related Services, Supervisor of Related Services, and School Leaders of the Carter School

Description

The Feeding and Swallowing coordinator provides leadership to the feeding and swallowing team as well as well as to the Related Services constituents under the direction of the Senior Director of Related Services (or Designee) and the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education (or Designee). The Coordinator works with the Senior Director and Supervisor to support the professional development of the staff and help problem-solve programmatic issues and/or support the implementation of best practices .

Position Overview:

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator (Speech-language therapist with a Feeding Focus) as part of the Related Services Department . This position will support students with disabilities by ensuring they receive proper nutrition and feeding assistance, tailored to their specific needs. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in feeding therapy, including safe feeding practices, and an understanding of various disabilities that affect eating and swallowing. The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will work closely with teachers, related service providers, and healthcare staff to develop individualized feeding plans, monitor progress, and provide direct support during mealtimes.

Responsibilities may include:

Coordination

+ Receiving, reviewing, and assigning all Feeding and Swallowing consultations throughout the district.

+ Facilitating the ordering, distributing, and managing any equipment required by students.

+ Acting as a liaison between the feeding and swallowing team and the senior director of related services, school-based teams, families, and advocates.

Assessment and Consultation:

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will assess the feeding and swallowing needs of students, working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will write reports that reflect the results of testing and observations that contain information helpful and understandable to all involved parties and that contain clear recommendations.

+ Evaluations will be performed within timelines established in state and federal regulations.

+ Develop and implement individualized feeding plans based on the student’s abilities, medical condition, and specific dietary requirements.

+ Therapy and consultation services will be provided to students based on the individual needs of each student and in compliance with each child's IEP or 504 Plan.

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will provide services in accordance with the IEP or 504 Plan.

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will participate in pre-referral, Team Meeting, Student Support Team activities, and will provide professional development to school-based staff as requested.

+ Communicate regularly with families to discuss students’ feeding needs, challenges, and progress.

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will consult with other Related Services providers , teachers, and parents in order to provide effective services in a variety of settings.

Speech and Language Therapy:

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will provide direct and consultative speech and language services to a small number of students and will provide professional development to school-based staff as requested.

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator will assess students referred for evaluation using appropriate testing instruments.

General Responsibilities:

+ Plan and facilitate all School Lunch periods as core educational and instructional opportunities for all students, focusing on group and individualized learning objectives related to daily living skills, vocational learning, social skills, communication, and other life skills appropriately set in the school cafeteria (This responsibility will initially occur at the Carter School as a potential model for the district).

+ Provide training and guidance to staff, teachers, and caregivers on safe feeding practices, techniques, and meal accommodations

+ Provide education and recommendations for positioning and adaptive equipment to facilitate safe eating for students

+ Communicate regularly with families to discuss students’ feeding needs, challenges, and progress.

+ Ensure compliance with school policies, regulations, and safety standards related to feeding and nutrition.

+ Collaborate with speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals to support the holistic needs of students

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Specialists are to comply with state regulations concerning renewal of certifications and licenses.

+ Assist students during mealtimes to ensure safe, appropriate feeding techniques and help with feeding difficulties.

+ Ensure compliance with school policies, regulations, and safety standards related to feeding and nutrition.

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator is expected to comply with BPS rules, policies, and procedures as well as those of their assigned school(s) and Unified Student Services.

+ The Feeding and Swallowing Coordinator is expected to maintain records of prior planning of lessons, to keep therapy notes for each child and therapy session, and to maintain accurate records of student attendance

Qualifications - Required:

+ Education: Hold a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

+ Continuing education in the area of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing

+ Massachusetts Teachers Certification in Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders and/or Massachusetts License in Speech-Language Pathology

+ Meet all state and federal guidelines to be fully licensed

+ Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment

+ In-depth knowledge of feeding disorders, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and related medical conditions.

+ Ability to develop and implement individualized care plans for students with complex feeding needs.

+ Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Qualifications - Preferred:

+ Experience working in public school setting with urban youth

Terms: BTU, Group I

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement. To learn more about ELT at BPS and whether or not this school is a "Schedule A" ELT school, check here: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/6571. To see the bell schedule for every BPS school, go to: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/7017. Please note that these times may be subject to change prior to the start of the SY20-21 school year.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Position Type: Not provided

Positions Available: 1