Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Definition
To assist a credentialed Speech Language Pathologist in providing speech therapy assessment services to identified students in accordance with Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals; provides services to students with specialized needs; and performs a variety of duties in support of student case management services; and to perform a variety of duties related to assigned area of responsibility. This position does not develop curriculum.

A Speech Language Pathology Assistant participates and collaborates as a member of an educational team by assisting in providing student speech therapy services to special needs students in 
accordance with the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

An incumbent works under the guidance and direction of a credentialed Speech Language Pathologist in developing and 
providing services for individual students to improve their academic performance.

Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general supervision from the site administrator.  Receives technical and work direction from the Manager, Special Education, Speech Language Pathologist, or designee.

Essential Functions Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Assist in providing student speech therapy services according to Individual Education Program (IEP) goals and treatment plans developed by a Speech Language Pathologist.
2. Assist in the assessment of student speech and language skills.

3. Confer with Speech Language Pathologist regarding student progress.
4. May attend IEP meetings for assigned students and present findings and recommendations as approved by a Speech Language Pathologist.

5.  Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information; provide assistance to educational staff as a case management team member through consultation, training and individual and group activities.

6. Document student progress toward IEP goals and perform a variety of clerical support duties such as maintaining objectives, preparing charts, records, graphs, or other means of documentation.

7. Observe and control behavior and interaction of students according to approved procedures.

8. Utilize positive restraint techniques according to established procedures as necessary if written in IEP.
9. Administer speech or language evaluations, tests, or examinations to students to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written and oral tests and special instruments.

10. Assist Speech Language pathologist during assessment.

11. Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics such as communication strategies and speech and language stimulation.

12. Prepare therapy materials and/or equipment for use in classroom and therapy activities.

13. Adapt or modify instructional materials and/or equipment for teacher use in classroom, as determined by students' needs and abilities.

14. Assist in the teaching of students to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, and breathing mechanisms.

15. Implement speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.

16. Implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, and inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, and social workers.

17. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications Knowledge of:
•  Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
•  Effective record keeping practices and procedures.
•  Human anatomy and physiology applicable to the position.
•  Normal speech, language, and hearing development.
•  Language disorders and rehabilitation.
•  Articulation disorders and rehabilitation.
•  Acquired disorders and rehabilitation.
•  Clinical methods and procedures.
•  Hearing disorders and aural rehabilitation.
•  Learning patterns in children.
•  Child behavior and behavior modification.

Ability to:
•  Remain current in techniques and technologies associated with the specialized learning needs in language and articulation development.
•  Select appropriate techniques to be used with students.
•  Use good judgment in making independent decisions to respond to student requests and needs.
•  Perform simple math calculations to compile reports.
•  Prioritize workload and conflicting demands.
•  Maintain records and status reports.
•  Recall facts, figures, names, faces, and information.
•  Complete tasks in a timely manner.
•  Identify the main idea or essential message in a text.
•  Identify relevant details and facts in instructional materials.
•  Infer or locate the meaning of technical vocabulary.
•  Communicate thoughts ideas, information, and messages in writing.
•  Record information completely and accurately.
•  Learn basic child guidance, development and interaction skills.
•  Use appropriate student behavior management strategies.
•  Follow written and oral instructions.
•  Use patience and tact in working with students with disabilities.

•  Maintain confidentiality about all personal information, assessment results, medical history, and other records concerning students and their families.
•  Interact successfully with parents, students, supervisors, school staff, and community agency representatives.
•  Maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.
•  Develop and maintain effective interpersonal relations using tact, patience and courtesy

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Six months of experience working with individuals with speech and language disabilities in a structured environment is desired.

License or Certificate:
−  Possession of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant License through the Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
−  Possession of a CPR and first aid certificate (may be acquired during 6 month probationary period).
− Possession of a valid California Driver’s license.
−  Ability to be insured, and continue to be insurable, by the District’s liability insurance carrier.
All licenses, certificates, and other requirements listed above are required at the time of employment and must be maintained during the course of employment unless otherwise noted.

Other Requirement
Some positions in this class may be required to utilize a second designated language (i.e. Spanish).
Working Conditions
Environmental Conditions: Classroom environment; subject to traveling from site to site.
Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; near visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; 
manual dexterity to operate a telephone; lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop.