PENDERGAST SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                                                     Job Description

JOB TITLE:  Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

SUMMARY:   Assists Speech Language Pathologist in providing speech and language services to students in a public, grammar school setting.  Serves students in a public school setting. The professional roles and activities in a school setting include clinical/educational services, direct treatment and documentation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in job-related area
• Completion of certified training program for Speech Language Pathology Assistant
• License from the Arizona Department of Health Services
• Social Security Card
• Proof of immunity to Measles and German Measles
• Valid picture ID
• Fingerprint/background clearance (upon employment)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA or BA Degree
• Job-related experience

Such alternatives to the above required & preferred qualifications as the Superintendent/Designee may find appropriate and acceptable

EQUIPMENT USED: 

• Augmentative communication devices, computers, computer programs, printer, low & high tech assistive technology devices, among other supplies  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct prevention and pre-referral education to teachers and staff
2. Complete screenings for students who may need speech therapy without interpretation, using screening protocols specified by the supervising SLP
3. Consult with the teachers, school staff and parents as needed
4. Provide direct treatment, identified by the supervising SLP, by following the written individualized education treatment plans
5. Offer intervention strategies to staff for carry-over of the students’ speech and language goals and objectives
6. Complete required daily documentation
7. Assist the SLP in the collection and tallying of data for assessment purposes without interpretation of data
8. When possible, act as a second language interpreter during assessments
9. Attend parent conferences, IEP meetings, with the permission from the supervising SLP, and written documentation from the SLP. NO interpretation of data and/or change in treatment plan can be done without the SLP’s input
10. An SLPA may NOT write a formal screening, diagnostic, progress or discharge note
11. An SLPA may NOT perform ANY task without the approval of the supervising SLP
12. Perform such other duties and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent/Designee

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:  

Skills are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices and experience working with school-aged children. 

Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals; write documents following prescribed formats; and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: knowledge of pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws

Ability is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment.  Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.  Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with specific job-related data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment.  In working with others, independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.  Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited.  Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; adhering to safety practices; and meeting deadlines and schedules. 

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget.  Utilization of significant resources from other work units is routinely required to perform the job’s functions.  There is some opportunity to significantly impact the Organization’s services.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant fine-finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33%

walking and 33% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and some hazardous conditions.