Under the direction and supervision of a Speech and Language Pathologist, the Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) assists in supplementing, enhancing, and extending speech/language therapy services by completing a variety of tasks such as, but not limited to, direct activities with students designed to develop pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication. The SLPA serves students who have identified speech and language disorders and may have other disabilities as well. This is a 10 month position.
Duties and Responsibilities: Conducts speech and language screenings, without interpretation, and using screening protocols developed by the supervising Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP); provides direct assistance for speech language voice fluency hearing to students under the supervision of the SLP; follows and implements documented IEP plans or protocols; documents student progress toward meeting established goals/objectives, and reports the information to the SLP; assists the SLP during assessments, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties; prepares therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and therapy activities; adapts or modifies instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher use in the classroom; assists in maintaining student records, tallying data, preparing charts, records, graphs, and reports; assists in organizing classroom activities such as displaying educational materials, arranging furniture to facilitate instructional requirements, and creates an orderly and clean learning environment; may implement behavior management programs for students as designed by certified staff, observes and reports significant student behavior, behavioral patterns, and/or other problems to the SLP.
Note: The Speech and Language Assistant is NOT able to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter IEP plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising SLP.
Education and Experience: Associate degree in and/or graduation from a Speech-Language Pathology assistant certificate program, OR Bachelors degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders with a minimum of 70 hours field work/clinical experience from a Board-approved program.
Licenses and Certificates: Current registration as an SLP-A with the State of Tennessee at the time of appointment and must maintain current certification throughout employment in this classification. |