PENDERGAST SCHOOL DISTRICT
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)
EXEMPT: No JOB CODE:
SALARY LEVEL: 32 DEPARTMENT:
LOCATION: School TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 9-Month
REPORTS TO: Director of Special DATE APPROVED:
Education, Supervising SLP & Clinical Director
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:
- Conduct prevention and pre-referral education to teachers and staff
- Complete screenings for students who may need speech therapy without interpretation, using screening protocols specified by the supervising SLP
- Consult with the teachers, school staff and parents as needed
- Provide direct treatment, identified by the supervising SLP, by following the written individualized education treatment plans
- Offer intervention strategies to staff for carry-over of the students’ speech and language goals and objectives
- Complete required daily documentation
- Assist the SLP in the collection and tallying of data for assessment purposes without interpretation of data
- When possible, act as a second language interpreter during assessments
- 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
- An SLPA may NOT write a formal screening, diagnostic, progress or discharge note
- An SLPA may NOT perform ANY task without the approval of the supervising SLP
- 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.