Regional Speech-Language Therapy Assistant

Speech-Language Therapy Assistant

The Speech-Language Therapy Assistant (SLTA) works under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to implement treatment plans for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist SLPs in conducting individual or group therapy sessions and implement treatment plans.
• Assist with speech and language screenings and evaluations, and help gather data on student performance.
• Prepare rooms for therapy sessions, gather necessary equipment, and organize therapy materials.
• Communicate with students and other professionals to meet the emotional needs of students
• Obtain case histories and completes observation checklists
• Manage student behavior using appropriately designed management techniques
• Summarize and record target behaviors during therapy sessions
• Organize and manage student data and records
• Manages, operates, programs, and/or monitors equipment and materials
• Provide feedback to students and caregivers, and educate them on exercises to improve communication skills.
• Work with SLPs, teachers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.

• Completion of an Associate's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting from an accredited institution of higher learning, community college, or equivalent program; or evidence of successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution as well as evidence of successful completion of courses developed by the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges. Assistants must achieve a passing score on a competency test approved by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
• Previous experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, compassion, patience, adaptability, and attention to detail
• Ability to operate computer

Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, normal communication development, phonetics, developmental psychology, various types of disabilities seen in school children, and various speech-language disorders and approaches to therapeutic educational intervention, and roles of supervising speech-language pathologists and assistants.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to communicate orally and in writing with parents, staff, and community leaders.
• Must be physically able to perform the basic life operational functions of kneeling, sitting, walking, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, talking, seeing, hearing, and repetitive motion.
• Must possess hand and finger dexterity for accurate input and output of computer data.
• Must be able to express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word.
• This position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

• Ability to work in a high traffic, indoor environment.
• Must be able to work flexible hours as needed.

Special Requirements:

• Background check with local and state law enforcement agencies required.
• Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Registration as an assistant with the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists by a supervising speech-language pathologist who is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and subject to rule and regulations for speech-language pathology assistants adopted by the Board of Examiners.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.