Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

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

Duties

• Conduct speech and language screenings without interpretation, using screening protocols specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assist the speech-language pathologist in the collecting and tallying of data for assessment purposes, without interpretation of the data.
• Act as a second-language interpreter during assessments.
• 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.
• Schedule activities and prepare charts, records, graphs or other displays of data.
• Perform checks and maintenance of equipment.
• Participate with the speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training and public relations programs.
• Sign and initial treatment notes for review and co-signature by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
• Additional duties as assigned, when needed.

Competency

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

• Technical Skills
• Customer Service
• Interpersonal
• Oral Communication
• Team Work
• Written Communication
• Diversity
• Ethics
• Organizational Support
• Adaptability
• Attendance/Punctuality
• Dependability
• Initiative
• Innovation
• Judgment
• Motivation
• Planning/Organizing
• Professionalism
• Quality
• Quantity
• Safety and Security

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.