Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Summary:


The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant is support personnel that performs tasks prescribed, directed, and supervised by ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists.

Duties


1) Conduct speech and language screenings without interpretation, using screening protocols specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist.


2) Provide direct treatment assistance, including feeding for nutritional purposes to patients, clients or students except for patients, clients or students with dysphagia, identified by the supervising speech-language pathologist by following written treatment plans, individualized education programs, individual support plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.


3) Document patient, client or student progress toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan, individual support plan or individualized education program without interpretation of the findings, and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist.


4) Assist the speech-language pathologist in the collecting and tallying of data for assessment purposes, without interpretation of the data.


5) Act as a second-language interpreter during assessments.


6) Assist with informal documentation during an intervention session by collecting and tallying data as directed by the speech-language pathologist, preparing materials and assisting with other clerical duties as specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist.


7) Schedule activities and prepare charts, records, graphs or other displays of data.


8) Perform checks and maintenance of equipment.


9) Participate with the speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training and public relations programs.


10) Sign and initial treatment notes for review and co-signature by the supervising speech-language pathologist.


11) Additional duties as assigned, when needed.


Competency:


To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:


Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. Customer Service - Meets commitments. Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions. Team Work - Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Respects diversity. Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Initiative - Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Asks for and offers help when needed. Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work. Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process. Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Measures self against standard of excellence. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources. Sets goals and objectives. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.


Qualifications:


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.


Education/Experience:


Community College and/or Vocational School Degree.


Job-related experience within specialized field.


Experience in working with school-age children.


Language Ability:


Ability to read common therapy materials. Ability to respond to common inquiries. Ability to write therapy notes that conform to prescribed style and format.


Math Ability:


Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and averages.


Reasoning Ability:


Ability to define problems, collect data, and establish facts.


Computer Skills:


To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Internet software and Database software.


Certificates and Licenses:


License from the Arizona Department of Health Services as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant


IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety


Work Environment:


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


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.


While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.