Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Overview of Job Responsibilities:

A speech language pathology assistant administers direct and indirect intervention for students to assist a speech-language pathologist in the provision of 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 upon the unique clinical-educational needs of each student. The assistant’s work with students is under direct supervision by the speech-language pathologist; however, the assistant is expected to recognize when changes in a student’s 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.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of childhood speech and hearing development
• Considerable knowledge of communication disorders and treatment
• Skills in obtaining case histories and completing observation checklists
• Skills in administering speech-language screening and therapeutic protocols
• Skills in managing, operating, programming, and/or monitoring clinical-educational equipment and materials, including assistive listening devices, augmentative communication devices, voice equipment, and computer-based equipment and software
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and professionals
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local EC requirements
• Ability to use data to determine instructional needs and evaluate student progress
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work cooperatively and effectively with individuals and groups
• Ability to arrange the therapy setting to maintain a safe and positive environment

 Education/Experience Qualifications:

• Associate’s 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

Terms of Employment and Position Type:

• State Salary Grade 64
• 10 months; full time; full benefits

Performance Responsibilities:

Direct Student Services:

• Administers screening protocols
• Transports students to/from testing or therapy area
• Administers therapeutic treatment protocols written by the speech-language pathologist
• Communicates with students and other professionals to meet the emotional needs of students
• Obtains case histories and completes observation checklists
• Manages behavior using appropriately designed management techniques
• Summarizes and records target behaviors during therapy sessions

Indirect Student Services:

• Performs clerical and administrative functions
• Organizes and manages student data and records
• Tabulates and scores tests
• Arranges the clinical-educational setting to maintain a safe and positive environment
• Manages, operates, programs, and/or monitors equipment and materials

 Evaluation:

• Performance of this employee will be evaluated by the Supervising Speech Language Pathologist