SPED-Speech and Language Pathology Assistant

Student Support - Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

Reporting to the Director of Student Support and under the direction of the Student Support Coordinator(s) and Speech and Language Pathologist, the Student Support Speech Pathologist Assistant will be responsible for conducting therapy with learners who have identified communication disorders and collaborating with learners and families on intervention that is appropriate to the age and learning needs of each individual.

The duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide treatment assistance to students at various school sites and through use of technology to perform virtual meetings that are appropriate to the age and learning needs of each individual learner.
• Work with students exhibiting the full range of communication disorders, including those involving receptive/expressive language, pragmatic language skills, phonology/articulation (speech sound disorders), fluency, voice/resonance, and swallowing.
• Work with students who have speech as a related service in addition to other services who receive only speech services.
• Follow and implement documented treatment plans or protocols as well as document student progress toward meeting established objectives and report the information to therapists.
• Assist SLPs during assessments with documentation and performing clerical duties.
• Prepare therapy materials such as visual boards, word walls, communication boards, and/or equipment for use in therapy activities; programs and troubleshoots Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
• Adapt or modify instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities.
• Assist in maintaining student records, tallying data, preparing charts, records, graphs and reports.
• Observe and report significant behavioral patterns or other problems to the therapists.
• Assist in maintaining appropriate behavior of learners throughout activities.
• Use a variety of screening tools and protocols; appropriately administer and score screening tools.
• Interact and communicate effectively with children and adults from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Operate a computer and iPad using standard software applications; maintain and troubleshoot assistive equipment.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• React with flexibility and sensitivity to changing situations and needs.
• Organize and prioritize work.
• Effectively carry out written and oral instructions.
• Maintain cooperative work relationships.
• Prepares various teaching materials such as charts, pictures, word lists, and other related items.
• Gather and interpret data with individual students, as well as overall program evaluation.
• Collaborate with SLPs to design and implement programs.
• Actively engage students in goal planning, intervention implementation, monitoring of progress, and self-advocacy appropriate to age and ability level.
• Configure school wide programs that employ a continuum of service delivery models in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities, and other students as appropriate.

Other responsibilities include:

• Be self-directed by taking initiative and responsibility for your work.
• Work in a collaborative, team based and innovative environment.
• Commit to excellence by seeking ways to improve and exceed expectations.
• Prioritize the growth and needs of the team, lead by example, and foster a supportive work environment.
• High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
• Approach problems and challenges with a human-centered creative mindset, seeks to understand, develops multiple solutions to find the best answer.
• Helps create a positive culture by being committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion promoting ethical behavior and social responsibility within the workplace.
• Be authentic, own your strengths and weaknesses, ask for help when needed, be honest and transparent in your communications, working towards common goals that are meaningful to you and the team.
• Represent iLEAD and the school in which work in a positive and professional manner in all interactions and communications.
• Pursue continuous improvement and maintain professional competence through seeking out opportunities to develop new knowledge skills and perspectives. This includes participation in professional development activities offered and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Perform other responsibilities as defined by the designated supervisor.

Essential functions include:

• Communicating with others to exchange information. (In Person/Telephone/Computer)
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• When needed to support a school or education program, must have the ability to travel by public transit as well as operate a vehicle for self-transportation purposes between worksites.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• May encounter outdoor elements: high (>90)/low (<60) temperatures, precipitation and/or wind.
• Ability to work in situations involving the need to make informed and quick decisions.
• Ability to supervise/manage workers and delegate as needed in project management situations.
• Reading detailed documentation and analyzing data sets.
• Writing professionally, both by hand and utilizing computer software.
• Speaking in public settings including making public presentations to large and small groups.
• Dealing and navigating professionally through high-stress situations.

The qualifications include:

• Associate of arts degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or graduation from a speech-language pathology assistant program.
• Up to date with professional development hours.
• Current registration as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) issued by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board; prior SLPA experience in educational or clinical settings is preferred.
• Possession of valid California driver's license, insurance, and willingness to travel locally using own transportation, with mileage reimbursed, as needed.
• Two years of related experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with learners, parents, personnel and community.
• California Resident, daily commutable distance to the campus.