JOB DESCRIPTION

SPEECH & LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Under the general supervision of the school principal or designee and direction of a certificated Speech/Language Pathologist, assists in providing authorized and appropriate services for students identified as having special needs in the area of speech and language communication such as developing pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a standard framework of policies and procedures. This classification is under the direction of the Director of Pupil Services and is established to provide educationally related speech therapy services according to students’ Individualized Education program.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Travel to assigned schools to assist Speech/Language Pathologists with assessing and remediation speech and language handicapped students according to an established schedule; follows and implements therapy plans providing direct treatment assistance to students under the supervision of a Speech/Language Pathologist.
2. Assists in data collection, planning and assessing appropriate intervention services for identified students.
3. Provide assistance in language development instruction to individuals of small groups of students; adapts or modifies instructional materials and/or equipment, as determined by student needs and abilities, for teacher use in the classroom.
4. Assist in selecting and preparing appropriate materials and activities for individual students; assist in administering tests and assist in grading as directed; confer with Speech/Language Pathologists concerning tests and materials to meet student needs.
5. Perform a variety of clerical duties including duplicators, filing and maintaining various records and reports; schedule activities, prepares charts, records, graphs, or otherwise display student performance data; operate various office equipment including telephone and copier.
6. Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance; maintain a facilitating environment for assigned tasks.
7. Ensure the health and safety of students by following all health and safety rules; conduct general clean-up of work site.
8. Conduct speech-language screening without interpretation, and using screening protocols developed by the supervising Speech/Language Pathologist.
9. Follow and implement documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising Speech/Language Pathologist.
10. Document student progress toward meeting established objectives, and report the information to a supervising Speech/Language Pathologist.
11. Perform checks and maintenance of equipment, including, but not limited to, augmentative communication devices.
12. Deals effectively with behaviors of students.
13. Maintains student performance documentation; assists with informal documentation.
14. Assists with research projects, in-service training, and family or community education.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

1. Language and articulation development, disorders, and rehabilitation.
2. Normal speech, language, and hearing development.
3. Clinical methods and procedures.
4. Human anatomy and physiology.
5. Clinical methods and procedures.
6. Child behavior and behavior modification.
7. Correct English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary.
8. Specialized communication systems and devices.
9. Record-keeping techniques.
10. Personal computers and software, including word processing and educational software.

Ability To:

1. Use a variety of modern methods, techniques and practices in occupational therapy.
2. Understand the unique differences and needs of handicapped students and their parents.
3. Participate in the IEP team process.
4. Properly use and care for the materials, supplies and equipment and fit adaptive devices.
5. Assist with the required therapy of assigned students.
6. Perform simple math calculations to compile reports.
7. Maintain accurate records and status reports.
8. Recall facts, figures, names, faces, and information.
9. Complete tasks in a timely manner.
10. Interact successfully with parents, students, supervisors, school staff, and community agency representatives.
11. Use good judgment in making independent decisions to respond to student requests and needs.
12. Select appropriate techniques to be used with students.
13. Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
14. Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
15. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
16. Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward children.
17. Make good decisions independently.
18. Operate a variety of office and classroom machines and equipment, such as computers and related software, copy and fax machines, calculators, telephones, etc.
19. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information obtained in the course of work.
20. Maintain regular and consistent attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. An Associate’s degree or equivalent, at least 48 units of study at an institute of higher education or pass the District’s assessment examination.
2. Completion of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program.
3. Registration as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with the State of California.
4. Paid or volunteer experience working with students with speech and language disorders is preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must possess and maintain a valid Class “C” California Driver License and remain insurable at the standard insurance market rate.
2. A valid CPR and Red Cross First Aid Certificates.
3. Drives to various district sites.
4. Some positions in this classification may require the ability to fluently speak, read, and write a designated second language and to demonstrate an understanding of the cultural background of assigned students.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works with students with speech and language disabilities, who may have severe physical or emotional difficulties, in a classroom environment. Drives to various district sites.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Seeing to inspect documents and to read fine print; depth perception to file; hearing and speaking to communicate with others in a normal voice in person and on the telephone; speak clearly to communicate with parents, staff and others; sitting or standing alternately for extended periods of time; climbing stairs; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate classroom office equipment; write legibly; bending or stooping; reaching overhead and above shoulders; lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighting up to twenty-five (25) pounds; pushing students in a wheelchair.

Board Approved 02-15-2007