ASST PATH-SPEECH LANGUAGE

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Under general supervision, administers direct and indirect intervention for students to assist a speech-language pathologist in providing clinical-educational services for students with speech-language disorders. The work is guided by therapeutic protocols, a task-by-task plan written by the supervising speech-language pathologist. The assistant is expected to use individually designed interventions based on each student's unique clinical-educational needs.

The assistant's work with students is under direct supervision by a speech-language pathologist; however, the assistant is expected to recognize when changes occur in a student's needs that needs require assistance from the supervising speech-language pathologist. Errors in service could cause serious harm to students and potential liability for the supervising speech-language pathologist, the school system, and the assistant. The assistant works under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists. The assistant requires limited supervision in indirect services.

Direct student services include administering screening protocols, transporting students to/from testing or therapy area, administering therapeutic treatment protocols written by the speech-language pathologist, communicating with students and other professionals to meet the emotional needs of students, obtaining case histories and completing observation checklists, managing behavior using appropriately designed management techniques, and summarizing and recording target behaviors during therapy sessions.

Indirect student services include performing clerical and administrative functions including daily therapy documentation, organizing and managing student data and records, tabulating and scoring tests, arranging the clinical-educational setting to maintain a safe and positive environment, managing, operating, programming, and/or monitoring equipment and materials.

Completion of an associate degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting from an accredited institution of higher learning, community college, or equivalent program; or evidence of successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution as well as evidence of successful completion of courses developed by the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges. Assistants must achieve a passing score on a competency test approved by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Registration as an assistant with the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists by a supervising speech-language pathologist who is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and subject to rules and regulations for speech-language pathology assistants adopted by the Board of Examiners.

Guilford County Schools