Speech Language Pathologist Assistant 26/27 School Year

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

This position is for 7.5 hours per day at 180 days per year. Pay for position: PSE Salary Schedule Level 11 -- $ 33.69 (25-26 SY PSE SALARY SCHEDULE)

General Summary: This position's responsibilities are to assist in the instruction of students with communication disorders as directed by the Speech-Language Pathologist. Responsibilities vary with assignment, but typically include tutoring students in prescribed learning activities, assisting students individually or in small groups, assisting with school and classroom management, and assisting with the maintenance of student records.

Essential Functions: Depending upon the individual assignment, the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant may perform all or a combination of the following:

• Assists in the instruction of students individually or in small groups in a variety of speech and language learning activities assigned by the Speech-Language Pathologist; promotes student understanding of materials presented. Communicates with Speech-Language pathologist concerning individual student progress.
• Assists students in assigned therapy programs to progress toward objectives listed on individual education plan (IEP) goals under the Speech-Language Pathologist's direction; may locate, develop or modify materials for student use. Provides guidance and motivation to students; facilitates mastery of skills concept; promotes completion of work.
• Works with students who have a variety of speech/language concerns, handicapping conditions, and/or behavior problems. Under the guidance of a Speech-Language Pathologist adjusts methods to meet the needs of students. Communicates with Speech-Language Pathologist and classroom teachers concerning therapy and remediation areas; may instruct students in a pull-out model or may also work in a classroom setting following the inclusion model in a variety of therapy areas.
• Assists Speech-Language Pathologist in maintaining progress reports; logs information concerning student progress and/or problems; maintains graphs and charts; may maintain records on a computer; assists in completing end-of-year progress reports.
• Monitors student communication behaviors and assists with classroom management; facilitates mastery of social adjustment skills; ensures that students stay on task; addresses student behaviors in alignment with building and district protocols.
• Records student communication behaviors during the implementation of therapy on an anecdotal record through observation.

Other Functions:

• Types, duplicates, collates, and distributes classroom materials and projects. Creates posters and charts; designs bulletin boards; operates office and laminating equipment as requested by Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Maintains physical appearance of the therapy area, hallways, and other assigned areas; straightens chairs and tables; puts away materials after use.
• Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to the speech language pathologist and Director of Special Services. Receives guidance from assigned speech language pathologist or assigned certificated staff.

Mental Demands: Classroom and school environment. May experience frequent interruptions. Required to deal with a wide range of student behavior, academic abilities and learning styles, which may include angry or distraught students.

Physical Demands: Required to crouch, crawl, bend or work in other positions besides sitting or standing. Required to meet externally imposed and inflexible deadlines to include IEPs and other meetings.

Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience Valid Washington State SLPA license required. Allowable Substitutions Not applicable. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities General knowledge of communication disorders. Ability to read, write, speak and communicate effectively. Ability to learn effective instructional and therapy techniques and strategies for students with communication disorders, including those with behavior disorders and learning disabilities. Ability to keyboard. Ability to deal with students in a warm and confident manner. Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations. Ability to organize activities. Ability to follow and give instructions. Ability to be fair and consistent when working with children. Ability to learn the use of computers and software. Ability to learn the operation of educational equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and students. Licenses/Special Requirements Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor. Must complete training in and adhere to district infection control plan. Valid Washington state driver's license. May be required to obtain first aid certification.

Unit Affiliation: Other Services

Conditions: The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.