Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant provides comprehensive speech/language services to students at assigned buildings under the supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). These services include, but are not limited to the coordination/assisting with speech/language and hearing screenings, provision of direct speech/language services, and consultation with school staff/parents regarding a variety of speech related issues. Implements research based interventions in accordance with corporation policy and state and federal special education mandatory laws.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Assists with speech/language and hearing screenings in accordance with federal and state law, and local policies/procedures, within mandated timelines for students in public, and non-public schools as assigned under the supervision of an SLP.
2. Participates with and assists the SLP at case conferences within mandated timelines.
3. Utilizes all information, including understanding of student background and characteristics to inform intervention and service delivery decisions.
4. Collaborates with the Supervising SLP on the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and/or Service Plans for students who meet eligibility requirements.
5. Provides direct and/or consultation services to students with speech and/or language impairments under the supervision of an SLP.
6. Collects data on student progress toward goals/objectives as identified in student's IEP/SP under the supervision of an SLP.
7. Assists with providing parents and staff with quarterly progress reports related to student progress for all students on SLP's caseload under the supervision of an SLP.
8. Assists with the completion of ISPROUT or collaborates on the completion of ISPROUT for students as assigned under the supervision of an SLP.
9. Works collaboratively with Special Education administrators, supervising SLP, general and special education staff, principals, and support staff in assigned buildings/districts.
10. Provides technical assistance to the building staff/administrators regarding special education policies and procedures, etc., as needed.
11. Participates in staff development and professional growth opportunities through attendance at staff meetings, inservices, conferences, etc.
12. Engages in effective collaboration with district students, families, faculty, staff, and departments under the supervision of a SLP.
13. Helps to facilitate communication and resolution of student issues and problems in concert with district staff.
14. Performs other duties as assigned by the Special Education Supervisor/Director to meet the particular needs of the department and/or district.
15. Serves as a Liaison with district students, families, faculty, staff, and departments to gather/document/synthesize data to promote student growth.
16. Utilizes a sensitive approach to student development, diversity, special population needs and multicultural issues.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders, speech and hearing sciences or a program equivalent. At minimum, evidence of 25 required observation hours in speech and language disorders. Preferred, 100 hour field experience required to register as a speech language pathology support personnel under the IPLA license of your assigned supervisor (this can be obtained if needed after hire). Experience collaborating with colleagues to improve practices. Experience dealing with families and students from a diverse range of economic, social and ethnic backgrounds.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in print effectively and thoughtfully with parents, staff and other stakeholders. Write reports, correspondence, and related documents. Present information and respond to questions from employees, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Reasoning Ability: Identify, research, and resolve concerns through knowledge of special education programs and services. Awareness of the need for sensitivity to the emotion related to meeting the needs of students with special needs and their families.

Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, parents and other stakeholders.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is also regularly required to stand, walk, and to sometimes run. The employee is required to type reports and may be sitting for long periods of time. The employee is called upon to travel among schools. Must have a valid driver's license. The employee may sometimes be called upon to lift and transfer testing materials among sites. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read typed or handwritten work. The employee frequently works irregular hours.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, but may get loud at times. Work is mostly performed indoors. Works in standard office and school building environments. Must be able to work regularly scheduled hours and weekends when needed. Must be able to handle stress.

The following duties are the responsibility of the supervising SLP that holds their Certificate of Clinical Competence, IPLA and Educator's licenses:

1. Administer diagnostic tests/evaluations and interpret test results
2. Manage students who have a Speech Impairment or Language Impairment only Eligibility.
3. Write, develop, or modify a students' IEP
4. Co-Sign any document signed by the SLPA
5. Determine eligibility of students for service according to the criteria necessary outlined in Article 7.
6. Clearly communicate and identify the different roles of a speech-language pathologist vs. the speech language pathology assistant.