Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

Grow Public Schools' mission is to be a network of high-performing schools in Kern County, dedicated to academic excellence that empowers all students to thrive through a foundation of health and wellness, college and career readiness, and lifelong success. We believe education and wellness are fundamental pillars for success, and their harmonious integration paves the way for brilliant and vibrant futures.

Founded in August of 2011 by the Grimm Family Education Foundation, GPS is committed to serving the Kern County community through high-quality public education. GPS currently operates two TK-8 schools, Grow Academy Arvin and Grow Academy Shafter, serving more than 1,600 students.

The Speech Language Pathology Assistant will provide speech and language therapy for students in grades TK-8 according to each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). They will focus on developing students' oral communication skills to support their ability to access their educational program. They will report to the Special Education Coordinator and will be supported and supervised by a licensed Speech Language Pathologist.

Responsibilities will include:

• Provide direct speech and language therapy services to students under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
• Implement documented therapy plans and treatment protocols developed by the supervising SLP.
• Prepare and organize therapy materials, equipment, and activities for use in classroom settings, pull-out sessions, and small group instruction.
• Collect and record student performance data during therapy sessions and assist the supervising SLP in monitoring student progress toward IEP goals and objectives.
• Document therapy sessions and collect students' performance data within the district's IEP or data management system as directed by the supervising SLP.
• Assist the SLP with progress monitoring and preparation of progress reports related to IEP goals.
• Assist with speech and language screenings using established screening tools and procedures under the supervision of the SLP.
• Assist the SLP with preparation of materials and clerical tasks related to evaluations (e.g., organizing protocols, copying materials).
• Support student use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and provide instruction on their use as directed by the SLP.
• Adapt or modify instructional and therapy materials to support student needs and access to communication strategies in the classroom.
• Collaborate with teachers and school staff to support the implementation of communication strategies and speech/language supports in classroom instruction.
• Assist with scheduling and communication with families as directed by the supervising SLP.
• Maintain accurate student records and therapy documentation in compliance with district and special education requirements.
• Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and engaging environment that promotes student communication development.
• Collaborate with members of the IEP team, Special Education staff, and school site teams to support student success.
• Related duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively manage therapy schedules and multiple student sessions throughout the school day
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with teachers and school staff in supporting students' communication development across classroom settings
• Experience working with English learners a plus
• Fluency in Spanish preferred; but not required

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor's degree or completion of a SLPA program from an accredited program required
• Valid California Speech-Language Pathology Assistant License required
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with students in a school setting

Physical requirements: 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The employee is occasionally required to push, move, lift or otherwise bear up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Specific hearing abilities are required by this job.

Work Environment: This position is in-person, in instructional facilities located in Kern County.