26-27 Speech Language Pathologist/SLPA

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students' ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

Master's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university

Valid license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or Bachelor's degree and valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders and conditions

Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech-language disorders and conditions

Ability to instruct and manage student behavior

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

One year supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy

1. Conduct independent evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and make determination regarding therapy services.
2. Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements.
3. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee. Assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions according to district procedures.

Consultation

1. Consult with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals, the needs of the student, and involvement in remedial process.
2. Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
3. Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and work more effectively with students with communication deficits.

Student Management

1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
2. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Program Management

1. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings.
2. Participate in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
4. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
5. May supervise licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).*

Other

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May direct and monitor the work of speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).*

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard testing equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure

*Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistants must be licensed by TDLR as speech-language pathologists. A person with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may supervise a licensed speech-language pathology assistant, but not if services are billed through School Health and Related Services (SHARS).