Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Speech Pathologist Assistant Job Description

Under the direction of the Director of Accessible Education and the general supervision of a credentialed Speech Pathologist, the Speech Pathologist Assistant 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; provides student support through a variety of follow-up instructional and/or behavior modification activities; provides medical/physical assistance to assigned students; assists in training and behavior modification activities with children experiencing special learning and/or behavior needs; and does other related work as required.

Responsibilities:

• Assists in providing speech therapy services according to Individual Education Program (IEP)
• Goals and treatment plans are developed by Speech/Language Pathologist/Therapist.
• Assists instructional personnel in the implementation of students' individualized educational plans.
• Tutors individuals and small groups of students with special learning needs to reinforce and follow up on learning and training activities.
• Assists with conducting speech-language screenings, using appropriate prescribed techniques and devices; confers with Speech/Language Pathologist/Therapist regarding student progress.
• Documents student progress toward IEP goals and objectives by preparing records, charts, and other documentation means.
• Performs various clerical support duties such as maintaining records and files and preparing reports for assigned students.
• Prepares therapy materials, such as picture cards and games, and equipment, such as augmentative communication devices, for use in the classroom.
• Adapts or modifies instructional materials as determined by student needs for teacher use in the classroom. Inspects, maintains, and operates augmentative communication devices and equipment.
• May perform routine First Aid and CPR, including aiding children experiencing seizures or respiratory disorders.
• Assists in behavior management through positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques.
• Maintains or assists in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive environment.
• May participate in parent conferences and pupil instruction and planning processes.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and in-service training to maintain knowledge of Speech and Language Pathology developments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid First Aide and CPR Certificate
• Registered as a Speech-Language Pathology assistant with the State of California, as well as meeting requirements to keep certificate current
• Current Speech and Language Pathology Assistants Certificate
• Demonstrated successful experience (six months of structured volunteer work is sufficient) working with elementary-age and middle-school students
• Demonstrated ability to work positively with staff and parents alike
• Bilingual (oral & written) Spanish/English is a plus!

Physical Job Qualifications:

The conditions herein represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. These physical standards are generic, and tasks may vary depending on the school or specialized site assignment. The information in this physical standards description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed.

• The physical ability to stand and or walk frequently.
• The physical ability to seldom carry up to 20 pounds (for mail delivery)
• The physical ability to participate in repetitive movements (typing, sitting down, filing paperwork)
• The physical ability to occasionally crouch down or squat (assisting in first aid duties)
• This position works primarily indoors in indoor offices with some outdoor work (including eating and common area(s), auditorium, playground(s), restroom(s), stairs if applicable, and parking lot(s)) with the following possible exposures: dust; wind; sun; insects; bloodborne pathogens and biohazardous waste; variances in temperature (50 degrees to 120 degrees); variances in weather conditions (snow, rain, sleet, etc.); noise which can range from quiet to loud (over 600 students on campus at any given time); fast-paced work environment with possible stressful situations and needs to multitask; traffic congestion; playground projectiles such as baseballs, footballs, basketballs, etc.; intervening physically to stop conflicts between angry or emotionally upset students; and, dealing with students, parents, employees and the general public who may exhibit unpredictable or anti-social behavior.
• Employees in this position may have a higher level of exposure to illness or infection from students.
• May be exposed to students who may ask inappropriate personal questions, display socially unacceptable behavior, display physically aggressive behavior, and insult your characteristics, including appearance, age, sex, and race.
• There is also frequent contact with staff and the public.
• Handle quick turnaround times, multiple deadlines, and prioritizing multiple tasks
• Handling high levels of stressful situations and responsibilities
• The ability to be present during the hours necessary to complete the requirements of the position
• Consistent attendance
• Other responsibilities as needed

Frequency* - Ability

Seldom - Sufficient strength, stamina (including physical, mental, and emotional), physical ability, and mobility to lift, carry, push, and/or pull or move moderately heavy to heavy loads up to 20 pounds.

Seldom - Strength and stamina to physically move desks, tables, and chairs to change the layout of rooms and offices to facilitate and influence school operations.

Frequently - Continuous speaking and listening for extended periods to instruct students and participate in meetings.

Frequently - Mental acuity to collect, evaluate, and interpret data; reason; define problems; establish facts; draw valid conclusions; and make effective judgments and decisions.

Continuously - Observe, see, hear, and respond to students, parents, and staff.

Frequently - Grasp and handle motions and torso rotations continuously and can reach in all directions, including overhead and horizontally.

Frequently - Hear and speak to exchange accurate information in-person, virtually, over a two-way radio or telephone when the noise level range is low to loud.

Continuously - Hear to locate the source of a sound.

Continuously - Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and community members.

Continuously - Vision to see near, distant, color, depth, peripherally, and adjust the focus with or without correction.

Continuously - Possess dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment including radio, computer keyboard/mouse, and standard office equipment necessary to do job functions.

Continuously - Possess dexterity of hands and fingers to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, and other classroom and office-type equipment necessary to do job functions.

Frequently - See to operate equipment, read and understand written materials, and ability to detect information displayed on a computer screen.

Seldom - Stand and walk long distances around campus and/or on school field trips and events on concrete, asphalt, gravel, and uneven surfaces, and maneuver in tight spaces between classroom desks.

Occasionally - Bend at the waist, kneel, stoop, squat, reach, and crouch.

Seldom - Stand for extended periods.

Continuously - Sit for extended periods, including at a desk.

Seldom - Climb stairs and climb and balance on a stool or ladder.

Continuously - Neck rotation and flexibility.

Frequently - Comply with timelines and deadlines with frequent interruptions.

Occasionally - Respond to emergency bells.

Seldom - Restrain students when necessary.

Never - Travel to other locations in California for department meetings and school training/in-service meetings.

*Frequency definitions based on an average 8-hour workday over the school year. The frequency may vary during school breaks if an employee is scheduled to work. For part-time employees, the frequency definitions are based on the number of hours worked. Never: 0% Seldom: 1% - 10% (less than 45 minutes) Occasionally: 11% - 33% (up to 3.0 hours) Frequently: 34% - 66% (up to 6 hours) Continuously: 67% - 100% (greater than 6 hours)

Wage and Benefits: This is a part-time, temporary, hourly position with a salary range of $35.00 - $48.00 per hour, depending on experience. It includes a competitive benefits package.