Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Days per Year: 187

Min: $62,750

Mid: $75,602

JOB TITLE: Speech Language Pathology Assistant

REPORTS TO: Coordinator SLP

WAGE: Exempt

Pay Grade: AI 2

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The school-based speech/language pathology assistant provides services for students with communication impairments using a variety of service delivery models to promote functional communication for these students in their current educational setting and provide support in the general education environment to facilitate the students’ successful participation, socialization, and learning.

All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• Texas license for Speech Language Pathology Assistant through Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Maintain a Supervising Speech Language Pathologist on record with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Preferred:

• Previous experience and/or education in school based Speech Therapy

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Knowledge of second language acquisition issues
• Intricate knowledge of child development and communication disabilities
• Knowledge of various disorders, disabilities, and syndromes encountered in
• public school
• Knowledge of FAPE and IDEA requirements for services in public education
• Knowledge of TEA and District eligibility criteria for specialized services
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and limitations associated with the maintenance of
• Speech Language Pathology Assistant license
• Skills in consultation with teachers and parents
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively (spoken and written)

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Collaborate with the Speech Language Pathology Supervisor in the pre-referral screening process if necessary.
• If trained and approved by SLP Supervisor, the SLP Assistant may conduct portions of evaluations. Interpretation of assessment data is done by licensed Speech Language Pathology Supervisor.
• Collaborate with the Speech Language Pathology Supervisor on the development of IEP goals and objectives by sharing data and/or conducting baseline measures.
• Maintain appropriate legal documents and legally mandated timelines in regards to students’ specialized programming.
• Monitor student’s academic progress in coordination with general education personnel during each grading period.
• Collaborate with supervising Speech Language Pathologist to provide parents with written information regarding student progress on IEP goals and objectives at least once per grading period according to district and ARD guidelines.
• Maintain complete and accurate paperwork needed for compliance purposes in both the state audit folder and the campus student folder, as well as SHARS documentation.
• Maintain lesson plans, a therapy log, or data collection forms indicating objectives addressed, activities planned, results of session, and attendance.
• Prepare, incorporate, and/or evaluate new material used in the therapy program.
• Keep informed of State requirements, limitations, and restrictions associated with the Speech Language Pathology Assistant license.
• Maintain accurate Speech Language Pathology Assistant Supervision records as required by state licensure.
• Participate in continuing education activities in order to maintain credentials and keep informed of best practices in the field of speech/language pathology and other related fields.
• Collaborate as needed with campus personnel to provide the most appropriate services for students with suspected or confirmed communication disabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Director of Special Services, as well as the Speech Therapy Program Leader.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling , reaching/repetitive hand motions, and the ability to work with frequent interruptions. May be required to lift or position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards. Mental demands: Ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication. Travel within the district as required.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.