Anticipated Opening: 2022-2023

Job Title: Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

Reports To: Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY:

The SLPA will work under the general supervision of a credentialed Speech/Language Pathologist/Therapist as guided by ASHA's current Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice. The SLPA will assist in providing instruction specific to the area of speech and language communication to students identified as having special needs; monitor the use of augmentative communication devices and systems; provide student support through a variety of follow-up instructional and/or behavior modification activities; provide medical/physical assistance to assigned students; assist in the conduct of training and behavior modification activities with children experiencing special learning and/or behavior needs, and to do other related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists in providing speech therapy services according to Individual Education Program (IEP) goals and treatment plans developed by Speech/Language Pathologist/Therapist.
• Assists instructional personnel in the implementation of students' individual educational plans.
• Assists with conducting speech-language screenings, using appropriate prescribed techniques and devices; confers with Speech/Language Pathologist/Therapist regarding student progress.
• Documents student progress toward IEP goals and objectives by preparing records, charts, and other means of documentation.
• Performs a variety of clerical support duties such as maintaining records, files and preparing reports related to assigned students.
• Adapts or modifies instructional materials as determined by student needs for teacher use in the classroom. Inspects, maintains, and operates augmentative communication devices and equipment.
• Assists in behavior management through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques. Maintains or assists in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive environment.
• Attends a variety of meetings, workshops, and in-service trainings to maintain current knowledge of developments in the field of Speech and Language Pathology.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates degree in Speech-Language Pathology or communication disorders or graduation from a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Prior SLPA experience in educational or clinical settings is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Language, articulation, and hearing disorders. Basic concepts of child growth and development behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to students with special needs. Correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. Oral communication skills. Recordkeeping.

ABILITY TO:

Assist in providing speech therapy services for identified students according to IEP goals. Maintain records related to assigned students and activities. Monitor and assist in evaluating student progress. Appropriately manage student behavior. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information. Observe health and safety regulations. Demonstrate adaptability to changing circumstances and priorities within the learning environment. Plan and organize work. Meet schedules and timelines. Perform routine clerical tasks. Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate speech/language instructional materials and procedures. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Maintain a work pace appropriate to the position. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of personnel.