SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT  (SLPA)

DEFINITION

To provide speech and language services and appropriate intervention services to eligible students under the direction of a Speech Language Pathologist.  To maintain speech and language special education records and documentation as directed by a Speech Language Pathologist.

Under general supervision of the site administrator with daily direction from Speech Language Pathologist, provides speech and language services and appropriate intervention services to eligible students individually and in small groups.  Monitors and reports pupil progress in the areas of speech and language related to individual education plans. The assistant may relieve instructional staff members of routine tasks related to the instructional assignment; provide intensified learning experience for students in assigned area; perform a variety of clerical and supportive tasks for instructional personnel; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions assigned to this class are characterized by their association with the instructional staff in speech and language. Positions in this class are differentiated from the Special Ed. Instructional Assistant positions in that incumbents deal specifically with students with speech and language needs. Incumbents are expected to have an understanding of the sensitivity to learning difficulties encountered by students with speech and language needs. Incumbent must be able to analyze situations and adopt a quick and effective course of action.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Adheres to professional and ethical standards as outlined by the American Speech and Hearing Association and State requirements
• Plans and provides appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech/language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP) under the direction of a Speech Language Pathologist
• Assists in parent conferences, or I.E.P. meetings as needed
• Collaborates with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom based activities to improve oral and written language skill of students under the direction of the licensed supervisor
• Perform a variety of clerical support duties such as maintaining daily progress records, compiling and filing reports, and updating attendance logs
• Document student progress toward IEP goals and objectives by preparing reports, charts, graphs or other means of documentation
• Administers routine tests as directed by supervisor when the licensed supervisor has assured proper training and administration of such tests
• Follows treatment plans designed by the supervising clinician, working with students in the same area with another certified school staff member, using materials approved by the supervising clinician
• Reports changes in student performance to the supervising clinician
• Attends monthly district speech/language meetings as needed
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information

QUALIFICATION GUIDE:

Knowledge of:

• Habilitation and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar
• General concepts of child growth and development and child behavior characteristics
• Basic arithmetical concepts
• Public education goals and objectives
• Basic first aid principles

 Ability to:

• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm and receptive attitude toward children
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Pass Instructional Assistant Proficiency Exam
• Communicate adequately for the task assigned
• Read and interpret written information related to Speech Therapy as provided
• Learn new skills, flexibility and willingness to perform a variety of tasks
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, parents and staff members
• Ability to complete tasks assigned by the Speech Language Pathologist
• Write basic reports and general correspondence
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff and general public (parents)
• Self-directed, and works without direct supervision
• Travel to multiple work locations as assigned

 Credential/Licenses Required:

Bachelors Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited college or university

• Valid License as a Speech-Language Therapy Assistant
• Certificate as a SLPA

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Visual ability to read handwritten or typed documents, and the display screen  of various office equipment and machines
• Able to conduct verbal conversation
• Able to hear normal range verbal conversation (approximately 60 decibels)
• Able to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend and walk
• Able to sit for sustained periods of time
• Able to kneel or squat for extended periods of time
• Able to climb slopes, stairs, steps, ramps and ladders
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds
• Able to carry up to 25 pounds
• Able to push and pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds
• Able to sustain strenuous manual labor for 3.75 hrs.
• Able to exhibit full range of motion for:
  • shoulder external rotation and internal rotation
  • shoulder abduction and adduction
  • elbow flexion and extension
  • shoulder extension and flexion
  • back lateral flexion
  • hip flexion and extension
  • knee flexion
• Able to demonstrate manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and other classroom equipment in a safe and efficient manner
• Able to work with cleaning solutions, disinfectants and sanitizes in a safe and effective manner without allergic reaction
• Able to demonstrate manual dexterity necessary to assist students with buttoning clothing and eating, operate a computer, or assist staff with toileting/diapering procedures

While the ideal candidate will possess all these abilities, duties assigned can be modified to accommodate some physical restrictions.