Speech & Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

 Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

The Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant will provide speech and language services and appropriate intervention services to eligible students under the direction of a licensed supervisor. The SLPA will also maintain speech and language special education records and documentation as directed by a licensed supervisor. 

Essential duties for all faculty members include classroom instruction; conferences with students, parents, and colleagues; and active participation in the work of the department on curriculum development, activities, and pedagogy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Valid Massachusetts License as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant;
• Knowledge of habilitation and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders;
• Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations;
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children to effectively problem-solve;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders;
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Speech & Language Pathologist Assistant will:

• Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech/language goals contained in Individual Education Programs (IEP) under the direction of the licensed supervisor.;
• Participate in Team process as assigned by supervisor;
• Participate in determining student progress and readiness for termination of therapy services under the Supervising Speech-Language Pathologist;
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom-based activities to improve oral and written language skills of students under the direction of the licensed supervisor;
• Attend regularly scheduled speech therapy meetings;
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required;
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, the State Board of Education rules and regulations and the State Board of Examiners Licensing Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
• Monitors the progress and needs of pupils with speech or language disorders and determines/develops goals and objectives
• Meet with students regularly according to the treatment program schedule and maintains records of students' progress.
• Report progress to appropriate staff and meet with them on a regular basis to discuss their evaluations of students' skills as demonstrated in class performance and social interaction with other students
• Provide learning experiences guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment that is conducive to student learning
• Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate opportunities for learning using response to intervention (RTI) framework
• Implements the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives
• Document the progress and/or concerns of students and seeks the assistance of  additional district specialists as required
• Monitor and supervise students, through effective classroom management
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement
• Use innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness
• Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and\or second language learners
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building principal/assistant principal

Reports to:        Principal/SPSA/Director of Special Education

Evaluated by:    Principal/SPSA/Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits. 

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work 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 information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Salary : $30 - $34