STIPEND OPPORTUNITY: Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SY26-27)

BPS Related Service Department Overview

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has identified a national shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in schools across the country. ASHA's annual report on ASHA-Certified SLP-to-Population Ratios indicates that in 2023, there were 60.8 SLPs for every 100,000 residents in the United States. In 2024, 78.5% of ASHA Schools Survey respondents reported that job openings for clinicians exceeded job seekers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Further, in the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) report entitled "SLP Health Care Survey Report: Workforce Trend" that there are more jobs than job seekers and the New England region is particularly impacted in 2023.

Reports To: The Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Supervisor reports to the Senior Director of Related Services and the Supervisors of Related Services.

Responsibilities:

• Provide SLPA supervision in accordance with MA 260 CMR 10.00.
• Speech and Language Therapy Services: Therapy and consultation services will be coordinated by the SLPA Supervisor to be implemented by the SLPA. SLPA Supervisor will plan services in accordance with the IEP or 504 Plan. At least 10% of services implemented by the SLPA each month must be provided under the direct supervision of the SLPA Supervisor. An additional 10% of services must be supervised, either directly or indirectly. (1 day per week/ 20% total). Additional direct and indirect supervision, beyond the minimum 20% required may be necessary depending on the skills of the assistant and the needs of the students. The supervisor will review each plan of care as needed for timely implementation of modifications. The SLPA Supervisor will document the amount and type of supervision provided. Documentation must include hours of employment per month, and the date, type, and duration of supervision. The name, signature, and license number of the supervisor must appear on the form.
• Evaluation: The SLPA Supervisor will be responsible for the assessment of students, corresponding documentation, and determining goals/objectives for the students that the SLPA services. The SLPA Supervisor will write reports that reflect the results of all administered assessment measures and observations that contain information helpful and understandable to all involved parties and that contain clear recommendations. Evaluations will be performed within timelines established in state and federal regulations.
• Additional Paperwork: The SLPA may write progress notes for the students they are seeing, however, the SLPA supervisor must review all progress notes written by the SLPA.
• General Responsibilities: The SLPA Supervisor must comply with state regulations concerning renewal of certifications and licenses. The SLPA Supervisor must adhere to MA state guidelines for SLPA Supervision.

Required Qualifications:

• Must hold and maintain a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology.
• Must hold and maintain a Massachusetts Teachers Certification in Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders and Massachusetts License in Speech-Language Pathology
• Education: Hold a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.
• SLPA Supervisor to have at least 2 years experience post Clinical Fellowship.
• SLPA Supervisor completion of a minimum of 2 hours of professional development in clinical instruction/supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of working experience in Boston Public Schools

Terms: Stipend: Flat rate $3500/year

• Note: If SLP-A Supervision is conducted for less than the full school year, the stipend compensation will be prorated.
• Stipend supervisions shall not be required to exceed MA state supervision pairing requirements. (I.e. at no point will a stipend supervisor be permitted to supervise more than 3 SLPAs.)
• Compensation is for the activity of SLPA supervision and is not multiplied by the number of SLPAs supervised.
• Supervision of more than one SLPA would require final approval from the Senior Director of Related Services and only be considered when the SLPAs are part-time.