SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Under general direction of a Language, Speech and Hearing Specialist, assists in providing instruction specific to the area of speech and language communication to students identified as having special needs; monitors the use of augmentative communication devices and systems.

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant will complete a variety of tasks as prescribed, directed, and supervised by a Certified Speech and Hearing Specialist, such as, but not limited to activities designed to develop prelanguage and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication. The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant works with students who have severe speech and language disorders as well as physical, emotional, and learning disabilities. The duties listed below are typical for positions in the class collectively, but no one position will necessarily include all these duties.

Essential Functions:

• Provides direct speech and language therapy to children and follows documented treatment plans or protocols.
• Documents student performance such as tallying data.
• Prepares charts, records and graphs and reports information.
• Assists the Language, Speech and Hearing Specialist during assessment of students.
• Assists with documentation as directed.
• Prepares therapy materials and/or equipment for use in classroom and therapy activities.
• Adapts or modifies instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher under the supervision of the Speech and Hearing Specialist.
• Assists instructional personnel in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Supports the Language, Speech and Hearing Specialist in research projects, and inservice trainings.
• Performs checks and maintenance of equipment.
• Assists with departmental operation such as scheduling, record-keeping, and safety/maintenance of supplies and equipment.
• Collects data for quality improvement.
• Exhibits compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Operates a variety of office machines, including typewriter, copier, calculator and computer terminal.
• May work in a variety of locations, including school or district offices.
• Participates in District inservice programs.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of:

• Speech-language pathology equipment, materials, and procedures
• Language development in children.
• Articulation development.
• Learning problems of children with special educational needs.
• Student behavior management techniques and strategies.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation and math.
• Simple record keeping and record management.
• Personal computers and software, including work processing, learning and educational software.

Ability To:

• Establish and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions, including intervention plans.
• Utilize specialized communication systems and devices.
• Assist in the educational program of assigned student(s).
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Learn and utilize current speech-language methods and procedures to be followed in an instructional setting.
• Maintain student performance documentation.
• Make independent decisions to respond to student requests and needs, and to select appropriate techniques to be used with students.
• Perform clerical tasks and operate office machines.
• Manage and use time effectively.
• Meet the physical, mental and environmental demands of the position.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade; training and/or experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities detailed above.

Experience: Typical qualifying experience would include: one year of experience providing direct therapy to language/speech impaired individuals in a clinical or educational setting and/or possession of an associate's degree in speech-language pathology, or graduation from a speech-language pathology assistant certificate program. Additional experience working with children (ages three to twenty-one) is desirable.

Required Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Registration with the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant is required.
• A valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Manual dexterity to operate business related equipment and handle and work with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job; Sit, look down, turn neck (frequently); Walk, stand, bend, stoop, reach, twist (occasionally); squat, kneel, push, pull, climb stairs (infrequently); Lift & carry items to 10 pounds (occasionally), to 25 pounds (infrequently); grasp/ manipulate materials and supplies (frequently); use seeing, hearing & speaking (continuously).

Working Conditions: Indoor classrooms, outdoor school yard & grounds. Exposure to: student & playground noise, seasonal temperatures, dust and wind. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.