SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT (SLPA) BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of a Speech and Language Specialist, completes a variety of tasks as prescribed, directed and supervised by an ASHA-Certified Speech Language Pathologist. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Incumbents in this classification serve students from Preschool to 12th grade, working with individual or in small groups. Incumbents provide intensified speech and language learning experiences designed to develop prelanguage and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization and use of assistive technology devices for communication. The SLPA works with students who have speech and language disorders, as well as emotional and physical disabilities. Assignments for this classification are District-wide and incumbents will be assigned and reassigned from school site to site as needed. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Conduct speech-language screenings using a variety of screening tools and protocols and appropriately score screening tools. E Manage screenings and documentation of results to instructional staff and Speech and Language Pathologist. E Follow treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising Speech and Language Pathologist, with effective management of student behavior. E Adapt or modify instructional materials and or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher use in the classroom student progress. E Assist a Speech and Language Pathologist during assessment including documentation, student management and interpretation of results into the parent's native language. E Assist with informal documentation, preparation of materials, and other clerical requirements. E Schedule activities, prepare charts, records and graphs or otherwise display student performance data. E Perform checks and maintenance of augmentative equipment. E Participate in research, in-service training and public relations programs. E Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Effective record keeping practices and procedures. Phonetics. Human anatomy and physiology. KNOWLEDGE OF: (CONTINUED) Normal speech, language and hearing development. Language disorders and rehabilitation. Articulation disorders and rehabilitation. Acquired disorders and rehabilitation. Clinical methods and procedures. Hearing disorders and aural rehabilitation. ABILITY TO: Deal effectively with attitudes and behaviors of students. Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms. Interface effectively with supervisor. Manage and use time effectively. Demonstrate appropriate conduct. Maintain a facilitating environment for assigned tasks. Operate standard office equipment including a computer and computer programs. Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties. Retain privileged information. Perform the essential functions of the job. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to AA degree in Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) or equivalent post secondary education area of communicative disorders. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: SLPA California State License. Bilingual skills required in Spanish, Asian Pacific Islander or American Sign Language. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: General classroom environment. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Hearing and speaking accurately to interpret and exchange information and make presentations. Seeing to read a variety of materials. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Bending at the waist, kneeling and crouching. Lifting or moving objects, normally not exceeding twenty (20) pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. Board Approved: 5/01