Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Primary Purpose

Plans and provides speech-language pathology services to students with speech, fluency, voice, language or pragmatic disorders.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas License as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant granted by the State Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.
• Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of a fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.
• Bilingual Preferred

Required Experience

Work with school-aged and pre-school aged children, including observation and supervised practice, as required for licensure

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of Treatment Methodologies for individuals with Communication Disorders
• Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills (written and oral)
• Knowledge of policies and procedures addressing specific duties/responsibilities of the position of a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents
  Familiarity with augmentative communication devices
• Ability to adjust to and be flexible in a multitude of situations in the school environment

Major Responsibilities and Duties

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in the Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Organization Management

The speech language pathologist assistant manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:

• Plans and provides appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals within the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Evaluates student progress.
• Develops and maintains effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Documents all services provided including appropriate documentation for School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program.
• Complies with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Instructional Management

The speech language pathologist assistant promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following:

• Assists classroom teachers with implementation of individual education plans (IEP). Instructs eligible students in the use of appropriate communication technologies (hearing aids, FM systems, augmentative communication devices, etc.) to minimize the adverse educational impact of communication disorders.
• Assists the Speech Pathologist in developing plans, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of minimizing the adverse educational impact of communication disorders.

• Develops and implements speech language therapy that reflects the IEP.
• Maintains written records of the performance of students over time to document progress toward mastery of IEP goals and objectives.

• Reports on a regular basis, as determined in the ARD/IEP, on the progress of students toward mastery of their IEPs.

Organization Climate

The speech language pathologist assistant fosters positive morale through activities such as the following:

• Assesses and plans improvement of the school, school District, or community environment.
• Reinforces excellence.
• Promotes a positive and caring climate.

Organization Improvement

The speech language pathologist assistant promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:

• Assists in the selection of therapy materials and equipment

Communication and Community Relations

The speech language pathologist assistant promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:

• Consults with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.

• Maintains a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.

• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Professional Growth and Development

The speech language pathologist assistant provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Participates in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Participates actively in professional associations.

Qualities of Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

The speech language pathologist assistant exhibits qualities such as the following:

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Complies with District and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Maintains confidentiality.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None, Requires supervision from a Licensed Speech Language Pathologist

Equipment

Computer, printer, calculator, telephone, copier, scanner, fax machine, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Maintains emotional control under stress.
• Works with frequent interruptions.
• Work irregular and extended work hours
• Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.
• Occasional statewide travel.
• Uses computer for prolonged period resulting in repetitive hand motions.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration.
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, heavy lifting, and moderate carrying.
• May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist positioning students with physical disabilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.