Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) - Part Time

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) performs a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). An employee in this position administers direct and indirect intervention for students to assist a speech-language pathologist in the provision of clinical-educational services for students with speech-language disorders. The work is guided by therapeutic protocols, a task by task plan written by the supervising speech-language pathologist. The assistant is expected to use individually designed interventions based upon the unique clinical-educational needs of each student. The SLPA reports to a Principal and/or SLP.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts speech and language screenings, without interpretation, and using screening protocols developed by the supervising Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP).

Provides direct assistance for speech language voice fluency hearing to students under the supervision of the SLP;follows and implements documented IEP plans or protocols. Documents student progress toward meeting established objectives, and reports the information to the SLP.

Assists the SLP during assessments, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties;prepares therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and therapy activities.

Adapts or modifies instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher use in the classroom;assists in maintaining student records, tallying data, preparing charts, records, graphs, and reports;assists in organizing classroom activities such as displaying educational materials, arranging furniture to facilitate instructional requirements, and creates an orderly and clean learning environment.

Implements behavior management programs for students as designed by certified staff, observes and reports significant student behavior, behavioral patterns, and/or other problems to the SLP.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 

Performs clerical and administrative functions.

Organizes and manages student data and records.

Tabulates and scores tests.

Arranges the clinical-educational setting to maintain a safe and positive environment.

Manages, operates, programs, and/or monitors equipment and materials.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
 

Completion of an Associate’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting from an accredited institution of higher learning, community college, or equivalent program; or evidence of successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution as  well as evidence of successful completion of courses developed by the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges.

Assistants must achieve a passing score on a competency test approved by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Registration as an assistant with the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists by a supervising speech-language pathologist who is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and subject to rules and regulations for speech-language pathology assistants adopted by the Board of Examiners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 

Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment and tools including computer software, computer hardware, cables, etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving and receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions from superiors.

Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, technical manuals, newsletters, trade journals, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, forms, training materials, documentation, etc., using prescribed formats.

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including computer terminology.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 

Thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, normal communication development, phonetics, developmental psychology, various types of disabilities seen in schoolchildren, and various speech-language disorders and approaches to therapeutic educational intervention, and roles of supervising speech-language pathologists and assistants.

Working knowledge of behavioral management practices.

Working knowledge of the operation of schools.

Skills in obtaining case histories and completing observation checklists.

Skills in administering speech-language screening and therapeutic protocols.

Skills in managing, operating, programming, and/or monitoring clinical-educational equipment and materials, including assistive listening devices, augmentative communication devices, voice equipment, and computer-based equipment and software.

Ability to communicate effectively with students, families and professionals.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.

Ability to arrange the therapy setting to maintain a safe and positive environment.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.