Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) - Central San Diego

Job Title: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Seeking resourceful, creative, and driven candidates interested in joining a team dedicated to developing innovative practices, efficient systems, and strong relationships while cultivating a generation of life-long and self-determined learners. Come join our growing team!

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) is a classified, non-exempt position with Element Education. Under the direct supervision of a licensed and/or certificated Speech Language Pathologist and the SPED Program Manager, the SLPA is primarily responsible for providing support and assistance in diagnosing, treating, and helping students with communication and swallowing disorders. The SLPA assists in supplementing, enhancing, and extending speech/language therapy services by completing a variety of tasks such as, but not limited to, direct activities with students designed to develop pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication.

Essential Functions

• Plan and provide appropriate individual and group speech and language therapy to students consistent with speech/language goals in IEP plans
• Provide direct assistance for speech language voice fluency hearing to students
• Follow and implement documented treatment plans or protocols
• Conduct speech and language screenings and using age-appropriate screening protocols
• Conduct therapy sessions
• Administer routine speech and language tests
• Implement behavior management techniques/programs as designed by certified staff; Observe and report significant student behavior, behavioral patterns, and/or other problems to the Speech Language Pathologist
• Document and report student progress toward meeting established objectives and outcomes
• Assist the Speech-Language Pathologist in evaluations and assessments including, but not limited to, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties
• Schedule activities, prepare charts, record graphs and data
• Prepare therapy materials and/or equipment for use; Perform checks and maintenance on equipment including, but not limited to, augmentative communication devices
• Collaborate with the student services team

Note: The Speech and Language Assistant is NOT able to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter IEP plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising SLP.

Accountability and General Administration

• Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, within a reasonable period of time; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries in a timely manner
• Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in creative exchange of ideas
• Observe confidentiality

Public Relations

• Develop positive relationships with parents and general public associated with the organization
• Communicate and support the school's mission, policies, and procedures
• Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner
• Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment; Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members

Professional and Organizational Development

• Seek innovative approaches to self-directed learning and formal training
• Practice reflective observation regularly; Maintain growth mindset
• In collaboration with the Director of Student Services, SPED Program Manager, and Speech Language Pathologist, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
• Understand and contribute to the Organization's vision, growth, and development
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and a passion for helping individuals with speech and language challenges
• Commitment to student learning and success for all students
• Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
• Ability to maintain records as directed by supervisor
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
• Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
• Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
• Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its' applications, and DocuSign
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
• Demonstrate good judgement
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
• Ability to think strategically and independently
• Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive working environment

Requirements

• Valid California License in SLPA granted by the CA Speech Language and Hearing Audiology Board
• Associate Degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders/Speech Language Pathology or a related field
• SLPA Certification (C-SLPA)
• Previous experience working in a clinical or education setting as a SLPA is strongly preferred.

Upon Hire/Offer

• First Aid/CPR/AED certification
• Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e. TB risk assessment, TB test, X-ray, etc.)
• Successful background clearance

Salary: As per Administrative Salary Scale

Benefits: Supplemental Insurance; 403(b)/457(b) retirement programs; Accrued PTO

Work Schedule: 10 months

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

* May require travel throughout San Diego County.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, in person, and in the classroom. Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type, and operate a computer, telephone, general office equipment, and classroom equipment. While in the classroom, the employee is also regularly required to extend arm with upper extremities to write on a whiteboard which may require neck rotation to look back at the class. The employee must frequently stand and walk throughout the classroom while maneuvering in tight spaces as well as frequently kneel, stoop, or crouch when working with classroom equipment, helping students, etc. A moderate amount of work is completed on electronic mobile and desktop devices. The employee will occasionally sit for an extended period of time which is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion. It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., occasionally or frequently, depending on the day. Employee might occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or move materials and classroom furniture to manipulate the classroom layout and be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.

The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, classrooms, outdoors, home office, Learning Centers, and the Administrative Office, and may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust. Noise level is moderate to loud.

Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.