The Organization

In Fall 2022, Thrive with Autism opened its first groundbreaking public school with the goal of dramatically improving education for children on the autism spectrum.  Thrive Center for Success is the first charter school in the state of Texas dedicated to serving a special-needs population.  Founded in 2019, Thrive with Autism’s mission and vision have brought hope to families who desperately want better educational options for their children on the autism spectrum.  This fall Thrive will serve 156 students Kindergarten through 7^th grade, adding a grade level each year to eventually serve up to 12th grade. Thrive plans to open a second campus in central Houston soon.

The Role

Thrive Center for Success seeks a skilled Speech Language Pathologist with a passion and drive to serve students with autism and other developmental disabilities in an innovative and transformative way.  The SLP will complete a variety of tasks such as completing educational speech/language evaluations, preparing and participating in ARD meetings, and providing supervision for the SLP-A. Direct activities with students may include parent consultation and/or training, assistive technology support, and therapeutic services for students who have identified speech and language disorders.

The Speech and Language Pathologist will support Thrive’s vision/mission, model, and programs through supportive services. Thrive utilizes the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) model of instruction, and all staff members are expected to learn this framework and identify its connection to their work. For more on CABAS, visit cabasschools.org. The Speech Language Pathologist will report to the Director of Special Education.

Responsibilities

·       Conduct speech and language assessments as required.

·       Support communication of discipline related topics in ARD meetings.

·       Develops and follows appropriate schedule to implement documented IEP plans

·       Provide timely reporting of sessions and progress as required by IEP

·       Provide staff and parent training on topics related to speech and language.

·       Provide direct services in areas of articulation, language, voice, and fluency to students

·       Support usage of Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices with students, teachers, and parents

·       Develop, prepare, and provide therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and therapy activities to ensure progress towards student IEP goals

·       Adapt or modify instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher use in the classroom

·       Comply with established behavior intervention plans

·       Communicate and interact successfully with parents, students, supervisor, school staff, and community agency representatives

·       Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance knowledge and skills.

·       Demonstrate knowledge, and support of Thrive Center for Success’ mission, values, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, Employee Handbook expectations and code of ethical behavior as stated in the Handbook

·       Ensures compliance with all state and federal laws, local board policies, administrative guidelines, and the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics

·       Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and (combined) serves as appropriate role model for Thrive Center for Success’ colleagues, students, staff, and parents

·       Complete other implementation projects as assigned by the Executive Director, Principal, Director of Special Education, Diagnostician/LSSP, and/or Board of Directors.

Thrive Center for Success will be a start-up school with a small team in the early years. The Speech and Language Pathologist will be responsible and accountable for supporting the school in implementation and may be asked to step into projects not specifically outlined above.

 Qualifications

Required:

·      Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders and maintenance of appropriate state licensure

·       Willingness to work on some evenings or other non-standard business hours, as required by the needs of the school and in accordance with the duties outlined above

·       Able to lift 50 pounds, run 100 yards, drop/lift to one knee, go up/downstairs, and pass all verbal/physical competencies to be a fully certified Safety Care Specialist

Highly Preferred:

·      At least (1) year of school-based experience in a relevant role

·      Applied Behavior Analysis knowledge, training, and experience

·      Experience working with students with autism

·      Experience with the CABAS educational model for students with autism

·      Fluency in Spanish

Thrive’s Commitment to Diversity

Thrive with Autism is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Thrive with Autism is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation based on relevant experience and years of service.

Terms of employment (Full vs. Part-Time, Salaried vs. Contract) negotiable.

Thrive offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental benefits, and time off via school holidays, summer break, and PTO. Thrive is a participant in the Teacher’s Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

To Apply:  Visit www.thrivesuccess.org/jobs

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