FernLeaf Speech Therapist 

The FernLeaf Mission 

FernLeaf’s mission is to foster a rich learning environment that embodies the essence of community, understanding, and the human spirit. Grounded in humble respect for our surroundings, the individual, and the world as a whole, we seek to engage the unique passions and aptitudes of our school community so that in addition to achieving academic fluency, students become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged. 

Position Details 

● 10 Month Position 

● Start Date: August 1 

● Salary based on the North Carolina Public School Salary Schedule 

● Benefits: State Health Plan, generous retirement plan that meets or exceeds the NC State Employee Retirement System even if you’re vested in the system (we’ll show you how!), $50K Life Insurance Policy 

● A host of intangible benefits that only come from working at a place like FernLeaf! 

Qualifications 

● Master's degree or beyond in Speech Language with or eligible to receive an NC DPI School Speech-Language Pathologist license level of one of the following: M, S, AS, D, DS 

General Roles and Responsibilities: 

● Assessment and Diagnosis 

○ Conduct comprehensive evaluations of students’ speech, language, and communication skills. 

○ Use standardized tests, observational methods, and interviews to assess speech and language disorders. 

● Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) 

○ Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with speech and language impairments. 

○ Set specific, measurable goals and objectives for therapy. 

● Therapy and Intervention 

○ Provide individual and group therapy sessions to address speech, language, and communication disorders. 

○ Utilize evidence-based practices and techniques tailored to each student’s needs. 

● Collaboration

○ Work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students’ speech and language development. 

○ Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress and plan interventions. 

● Documentation and Reporting 

○ Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, therapy sessions, and student progress. 

○ Prepare and submit reports on student performance and therapy outcomes. ● Training and Support 

○ Provide training and resources to teachers and parents on strategies to support speech and language development. 

○ Offer guidance on classroom modifications and accommodations to facilitate communication. 

● Compliance and Ethics 

○ Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to special education and speech therapy services. 

○ Adhere to ethical standards and professional guidelines established by relevant professional organizations. 

● Professional Development 

○ Stay updated with the latest research, methodologies, and advancements in the field of speech-language pathology. 

○ Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences. 

● All of the other things that can’t possibly be captured in a position description! 

FernLeaf Culture 

A remarkable FernLeaf Therapist: 

● Understands, effectively communicates, and embodies the FernLeaf mission, vision, and values within the school community 

● Demonstrates a consistent positive outlook and attitude regardless of the circumstances ● Consistently demonstrates kindness, compassion, and gratitude toward the entire FernLeaf Community including staff, students, families, and visitors 

● Inspires and supports co-workers i.e. shares ideas, creates new experiences, builds relationships, helps when needed, etc 

● Demonstrates consistent and productive collaboration with other FernLeaf staff ● Is thoughtful and courteous in all interactions with the FernLeaf Community ● Demonstrates leadership by taking initiative in creating interesting and exciting opportunities for students and the school 

● Demonstrates consistency in performance of basic work duties 

FernLeaf Development 

An amazing FernLeaf Therapist:

● Demonstrates active and ongoing involvement in the growth and development of FernLeaf through participation in community events and activities 

● Understands and effectively communicates the FernLeaf mission, vision, and values to the broader community 

● Represents FernLeaf in a positive way in the community 

● Demonstrates an ability to build relationships that result in access to increased community partnerships and resources 

● Demonstrates an interest in FernLeaf’s long term growth and development 

Therapeutic Culture and Environment 

An exceptional FernLeaf Therapist: 

● Creates a safe, respectful, and positive therapeutic culture 

● Creates an active and engaging therapeutic environment 

● Creates an environment that encourages wonder, creativity, and imagination ● Provides students with numerous opportunities for autonomy and choice ● Creates an environment that encourages intrinsic motivation 

● Demonstrates a commitment to the social and emotional development and wellbeing of students 

● Communicates with children using a mature and respectful demeanor, style, and voice ● Consistently displays and models patience, tolerance, and goodwill 

● Infuses mindfulness through role modeling, education, and opportunities for students to practice 

● Establishes effective communication with families that supports student growth and builds relationships 

Therapeutic Approach 

A phenomenal FernLeaf Therapist: 

● Demonstrates passion, interest, and initiative in moving beyond traditional approaches and trying new things 

● Ensures that therapeutic environments are active and engaging by providing students with significant hands-on experiential learning opportunities 

● Engages students in outdoor experiences and activities when possible ● Demonstrates an ability to balance the need for providing therapeutic supports with providing children with an excellent overall school experience 

● Demonstrates love, kindness, compassion, and patience for all students, especially those with unique needs 

● Ensures that the needs of students with unique needs are met and that they are able to contribute to the school culture through active participation in the class and school community 

● Incorporates materials and lessons that acknowledge the contributions of diverse people and cultures throughout history 

● Uses data to identify the skills, abilities, and progress of students 

● Uses formal and informal assessment data in planning

Part Time Speech Therapist 

Roles and Responsibilities 

The FernLeaf Mission 

FernLeaf’s mission is to foster a rich learning environment that embodies the essence of community, understanding, and the human spirit. Grounded in humble respect for our surroundings, the individual, and the world as a whole, we seek to engage the unique passions and aptitudes of our school community so that in addition to achieving academic fluency, students become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged. 

Position Details 

● Hours 20/week (flexible schedule) 

● 10 Month Position 

● Start Date: August 1 

● Salary based on the North Carolina Public School Salary Schedule 

● Benefits: 

○ Generous retirement plan that meets or exceeds the NC State Employee Retirement System even if you’re vested in the system (we’ll show you how!) ○ $50K Life Insurance Policy 

○ No conflicts for retirees who are already receiving retirement benefits from the NC State Employee Retirement System 

○ A host of intangible benefits that only come from working at a place like FernLeaf! 

Qualifications 

● Master's degree or beyond in Speech Language with or eligible to receive an NC DPI School Speech-Language Pathologist license level of one of the following: M, S, AS, D, DS 

General Roles and Responsibilities: 

● Assessment and Diagnosis 

○ Conduct comprehensive evaluations of students’ speech, language, and communication skills. 

○ Use standardized tests, observational methods, and interviews to assess speech and language disorders. 

● Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) 

○ Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with speech and language impairments. 

○ Set specific, measurable goals and objectives for therapy. 

● Therapy and Intervention 

○ Provide individual and group therapy sessions to address speech, language, and communication disorders.

○ Utilize evidence-based practices and techniques tailored to each student’s needs. 

● Collaboration 

○ Work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to support students’ speech and language development. 

○ Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress and plan interventions. 

● Documentation and Reporting 

○ Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, therapy sessions, and student progress. 

○ Prepare and submit reports on student performance and therapy outcomes. ● Training and Support 

○ Provide training and resources to teachers and parents on strategies to support speech and language development. 

○ Offer guidance on classroom modifications and accommodations to facilitate communication. 

● Compliance and Ethics 

○ Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to special education and speech therapy services. 

○ Adhere to ethical standards and professional guidelines established by relevant professional organizations. 

● Professional Development 

○ Stay updated with the latest research, methodologies, and advancements in the field of speech-language pathology. 

○ Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences. 

● All of the other things that can’t possibly be captured in a position description! 

FernLeaf Culture 

A remarkable FernLeaf Therapist: 

● Understands, effectively communicates, and embodies the FernLeaf mission, vision, and values within the school community 

● Demonstrates a consistent positive outlook and attitude regardless of the circumstances ● Consistently demonstrates kindness, compassion, and gratitude toward the entire FernLeaf Community including staff, students, families, and visitors 

● Inspires and supports co-workers i.e. shares ideas, creates new experiences, builds relationships, helps when needed, etc 

● Demonstrates consistent and productive collaboration with other FernLeaf staff ● Is thoughtful and courteous in all interactions with the FernLeaf Community ● Demonstrates leadership by taking initiative in creating interesting and exciting opportunities for students and the school 

● Demonstrates consistency in performance of basic work duties

FernLeaf Development 

An amazing FernLeaf Therapist: 

● Demonstrates active and ongoing involvement in the growth and development of FernLeaf through participation in community events and activities 

● Understands and effectively communicates the FernLeaf mission, vision, and values to the broader community 

● Represents FernLeaf in a positive way in the community 

● Demonstrates an ability to build relationships that result in access to increased community partnerships and resources 

● Demonstrates an interest in FernLeaf’s long term growth and development 

Therapeutic Culture and Environment 

An exceptional FernLeaf Therapist: 

● Creates a safe, respectful, and positive therapeutic culture 

● Creates an active and engaging therapeutic environment 

● Creates an environment that encourages wonder, creativity, and imagination ● Provides students with numerous opportunities for autonomy and choice ● Creates an environment that encourages intrinsic motivation 

● Demonstrates a commitment to the social and emotional development and wellbeing of students 

● Communicates with children using a mature and respectful demeanor, style, and voice ● Consistently displays and models patience, tolerance, and goodwill 

● Infuses mindfulness through role modeling, education, and opportunities for students to practice 

● Establishes effective communication with families that supports student growth and builds relationships 

Therapeutic Approach 

A phenomenal FernLeaf Therapist: 

● Demonstrates passion, interest, and initiative in moving beyond traditional approaches and trying new things 

● Ensures that therapeutic environments are active and engaging by providing students with significant hands-on experiential learning opportunities 

● Engages students in outdoor experiences and activities when possible ● Demonstrates an ability to balance the need for providing therapeutic supports with providing children with an excellent overall school experience 

● Demonstrates love, kindness, compassion, and patience for all students, especially those with unique needs 

● Ensures that the needs of students with unique needs are met and that they are able to contribute to the school culture through active participation in the class and school community 

● Incorporates materials and lessons that acknowledge the contributions of diverse people and cultures throughout history

● Uses data to identify the skills, abilities, and progress of students ● Uses formal and informal assessment data in planningAre you looking for a unique environment to put your skills to good use?  Want to be a part of one of the most amazing EC teams out there?  FernLeaf has an opening for a creative part time Speech Therapist to collaborate closely with an amazing group of thoughtful and talented regular ed and EC teachers.  This is an excellent opportunity for recently retired therapists who do not wish to work full time because you are eligible for immediate employment at FernLeaf with no impact on your state retirement benefits. Various schedule options available including but not limited to ½ days AM and PM, 3 days/week, etc.  Current License required.

 FernLeaf Community Charter School