Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Location: Districtwide

Must apply on our school website to be considered: www.aberdeen.k12.sd.us

POSITION SUMMARY

A school-based Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) works under the supervision of a licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) to provide direct therapy support to individuals with communication disorders, including implementing treatment plans, assisting with assessments, documenting progress, and facilitating activities to improve speech, language, voice, and fluence skills, all while following guidelines set by the supervising SLP.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Assist supervising Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) with appropriate speech, language, and hearing screenings without clinical interpretation.
2. Assist the supervising SLP during assessment of students exclusive of administration and/or interpretation.
3. Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising SLP. Plan and provide individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech-language goals contained in the Individual Education Plans (IEP) under direction of the supervising SLP.
4. Assist and guide parents, teachers, and other professionals in observing, describing, and referring suspected and identified speech, language, and hearing impairments.
5. Serve as a consultant to teachers and school staff members regarding speech and language development.
6. Maintain thorough records for the individual student receiving speech, language, and hearing services. Document student performance and report this information to the supervising SLP.
7. Maintain general records containing information appropriate to the compilation of Aberdeen School District, state, and federal reports for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements for review by the supervising SLP
8. Assist with clerical duties such as preparing materials and scheduling activities.
9. Attend meetings for students entering, continuing in or being dismissed from the speech/language program along with the supervising SLP.
10. Adhere to all district policies, handbooks, and regulations.
11. Support the philosophy and mission of the Aberdeen School District.
12. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures and methods of speech language pathology.
2. In-depth knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules, policies and regulations and impact in the school setting.
3. Knowledge of research and data analysis methods, techniques and procedures.
4. Knowledge of project management principles and methods.
5. Knowledge of District organizational structures and interrelationships and impact of culture’s role in working relationships.
6. Knowledge of modern speech language pathology methods, practices, and procedures.

7. Knowledge of the District’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.

8. Ability to communicate inside and outside of the organization to communicate organizational direction.

9. Skill in conducting long-range planning, including the preparation of work plans and coordination of project teams.

10. Ability to work independently, prioritize and resolve issues, complete various and conflicting work assignments in a dynamic environment.

11. Relationship building, consulting and collaborative team building.

12. Provide courteous customer service to and work effectively with the general public, the media, supervisors, co-workers, and employee organizations representing various diverse backgrounds.

13. Research and analyze a variety of complicated information and data, interpret and make recommendations based on research findings, write reports, create spreadsheets and present information.

14. Adapt to fast paced and changing environments.

15. Ability to adjust to differing organizational structures, cultures, leadership and work styles.

16. Proficient use of computers and related software applications, online tracking systems, Internet research tools, and reporting applications.

17. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
18. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and in compliance with stringent time limits with direction and supervision.
19. Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
20. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
21. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
22. Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
23. Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
24. Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
25. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
26. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
27. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work has no exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting (e.g. business office, light traffic).

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in speech language pathology

• Valid Driver’s License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology or related program

• Experience in the filed of speech- language pathology.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, paid for by the applicant.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.