Job Title: Speech & Language Pathology Assistant

Job Purpose:

Under the direction of the Speech & Language Pathologist, the Speech & Language Pathology Assistant assists certificated staff in educational activities for students requiring speech therapy. They assist in maintaining appropriate activities and an environment that enables children to learn and contribute talents to create an excellent program and positive school culture at the charter schools within The Academies Charter Management Organization.

Essential Job Functions:

• Under the direction of the Speech & Language Pathologist, provide individual and small group speech therapy for students

• Assist in the screening of student with speech disorders

• May, with training and supervision, as directed, administer but not interpret speech screenings

• Provide drill, practice and production of correct speech sounds and grammar

• Monitor corrected speech and language of students

• Assist supervisor to follow Individual Educational Plans (IEP’s) for each student to develop daily or weekly instructional activities

• Create, prepare, order, distribute and present materials and supplies to obtain the educational objectives of the students

• Responsibly perform a variety of instructional services and clerical support activities

• Alert the Speech & Language Pathologist and appropriate staff to the special needs, progress and behavior of students

• Assist in maintaining the therapy space as a sanitary, safe, orderly, attractive and positive learning environment

• Assure the health and safety of students, providing supervision in classroom and non-classroom school settings and at various school functions

• Immediately recognize, report and correct unsafe conditions

• Assist certificated staff in completing forms, reports and other paperwork

• Assist in preparing documents and reports, maintain records and perform routine clerical tasks such as typing, computer operation, filing and photocopying

• Use sound judgement and initiative in working with students

• Perform other related duties, as assigned

Job Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• High school graduate or equivalent (required)

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in approved Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program or hold a valid Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Registration through the California Speech-Language Pathology Board (required)

• Possess a valid California driver license and maintain insurability (required)

• Must be able to provide your own reliable transportation to work sites within The Academies’ charter schools (required)

Experience

• Prior job-related experiences working with children in a school setting (required)

• Prior coursework related to the speech and language needs of children (required)

• Experience working with children with special needs (preferred)

Knowledge/Skills

• Proper English usage, grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation; English word enunciation and pronunciation, speech anatomy

• Correct usage of speech and language patterns, and oral communications, including basic linguistics 

• Basic concepts of child growth, development and behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to the special needs and limitations of individuals requiring speech therapy

• General classroom procedures, purposes, goals and methods of education

• Routine record management systems and procedures

• Positive discipline and behavior management techniques

• An enthusiastic willingness to support the educational philosophy of The Academies CMO.

• A commitment to the mission of The Academies CMO

Ability to:

• Work with children with disabilities

• Follow written and verbal instructions

• Hear and speak to communicate effectively with coworkers, students, and the public

• Working knowledge of school operations and procedures

• Be a positive role model for students

• Demonstration of caring about students and their success in learning

• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with students, teachers, co-workers, and the public

• Word-process and use suitable computer software applications

• Operate a copier, laminator, and similar school machines

• Familiarity with or willingness to be trained in instructional methodology and procedural compliance

• A proactive and effective approach to student discipline aligned with the school’s discipline policies

• Effective conflict resolution skills

• Integrity in all his/her dealings with the school community; is respectful, thoughtful, honest, and fair

• Follow established procedures in an emergency situation

• Carry out responsibilities of being a mandated reporter

Abilities/Environment

• Physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of a position without hazard to themselves or others

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, perform grasping and handling motions and torso rotations on a continuous basis

• Lift and carry 20 pounds of materials; reach in all directions

• Adequate sight or corrected vision for the purpose of reading directions and printed or written materials

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate instructional equipment

• Classroom and outdoor environment, adverse weather conditions.

The Academies Charter Management Organization Board of Directors  will consider candidates for the Speech & Language Pathology Assistant position based upon a combination of education/certifications, experience, skills, knowledge and/or abilities, and mission fit.