Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Job Title: Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

Position Function: To assist in providing instruction specific to the area of speech and language communication to students identified as having speech and language needs for tasks prescribed by the supervising SLP; monitors the use of augmentative communication devices and systems; to provide student support through a variety of follow-up instructional and/or behavior modification activities; and to do other related work as required.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Self-identify as SLPAs to families, students, staff and others either verbally, in writing, or with titles.
• Exhibit compliance with The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations, reimbursement requirements, and SLPA's responsibilities.
• Assist the SLP with speech and language screenings without clinical supervision.
• Assist the SLP during assessment of students exclusive of administration and/or interpretation.
• Assist the SLP with bilingual translation during screening and assessment activities exclusive of interpretation.
• Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising SLP.
• Provide guidance and treatment via telepractice to students who are selected by the supervising SLP as appropriate for this service delivery model.
• Document student performance by tallying data for the SLP to use or preparing charts, records, or graphs and report this information to the supervising SLP.
• Program and provide instruction in the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices.
• Provide services under SLP supervision in another language for individuals who do not speak English and English-language learners.
• Assist with clerical duties, such as preparing materials and scheduling activities, as directed by the SLP.
• Perform checks and maintenance of equipment.
• Assist with departmental operations (scheduling, recordkeeping, etc.)
• Present primary prevention information to individuals and groups known to be at rish for communication disorders and other appropriate groups; promote early identification and early intervention activities.
• Advocate for individuals and families through community awareness, health literacy, education, and training programs to promote and facilitate access to full participation in communication, including the elimination of societal, cultural, and linguistic barriers.

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: The employee must demonstrate the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, scanners, copiers, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Frequent travel between schools may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Work in school building environments
• Regular attendance is important
• Exhibit a friendly professional manner with customers and students

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of language, articulation and hearing disorders
• Knowledge of child growth and development behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to students identified as special education
• Proven use of effective collaboration skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent personal relationship skills
• Ability to organize, communicate effectively, make decisions, work independently and as a member of a team
• Basic computer proficiency
• Use of good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks, meet deadlines, and work in a calm and efficient manner
• Ability to work with little or no supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor when discretion is required
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with administrative, certified and classified personnel within the district as well as outside vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or Bachelor's Degree in Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, or Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification required

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt