Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (Slpa)

The Speech Language Pathologist supports the instructional program with specific responsibilities for identifying students with communication disorders; planning and implementing appropriate individual educational plans to minimize adverse impact on student success; and recommending direct and indirect services.

Essential Functions

Assesses students' communication skills (e.g. articulation, fluency, voice, expressive and receptive language, etc.) for the purpose of identifying communication disorders, determining program eligibility, and developing recommendations for treatment.

Collaborates with a variety of groups and individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.

Coordinates meetings and processes for eligible students (e.g. testing and screening, IEPs, parent conferences, pre-referral staffing, etc.), presents evaluation results, develops treatment plans, and provides training to parents, students, and staff.

Develops individual educational plans, interventions, and educational materials to minimize the adverse impact of communication disorders in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Interprets medical reports within the scope of the Speech Language Pathologist's experience to provide information and ensure that treatment and intervention plans are appropriate.

Maintains files and records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, required documentation, quarterly reports, screening results, etc.) to ensure the availability of information as required for reference and compliance.

Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team meetings, general education intervention meetings, etc.) to convey and gather information.

Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, educational plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, progress reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and conveying information.

Provides speech and language therapy to students to minimize the adverse impact of speech and language disorders on student success.

Provides itinerant services at multiple work sites and provides therapy and assistance as required.

Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and therapy techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) and determines the appropriate approach for addressing students' needs.

Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.), resolves problems, provides information, and/or makes referral to appropriate personnel.

Schedules student speech language therapy intervention sessions and directs services in an efficient and timely manner.

Supervises paras and/or speech assistants including monitoring performance and supporting the overall objectives of the instructional program to impact student success.

Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites and ensures the availability of items as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Minimum Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of and ability to apply assessment instruments

Ability to operate standard office equipment and software applications

Ability to perform basic math including calculations using fractions, ratios and percents

Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet deadlines

Ability to read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group

discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.

Knowledge of appropriate codes, policies, regulations and laws

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms and disorders; principles and practices of speech and language therapy

Ability to utilizing specialized equipment in communication disorders

Ability to gather, collate, and/or classify data and to translate therapy data into meaningful educational activities

Ability to communicate with tact and patience

Ability to work with diverse groups and individuals

Ability to solve problems and analyze issues and create action plans.

Ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships

Ability to adapt to changing work priorities and to remain flexible and creative

Ability to work under limited supervision

Education, Certification

Master’s degree in job-related area

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Speech - Language Pathology License

Experience

Job related experience within a specialized field is requiredA speech-language pathology assistant/paraeducator works under the direction and supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist and has special training in conducting assessments and working with children, teachers, and parents. A speech-language pathology assistant/paraeducator must be supervised, by a licensed speech-language pathologist, a minimum of 10 percent of the time they are working with students. Speech-language pathology assistants/paraeducators who are speech-language pathology practicum students, placed in the district with cooperation of their training institution, may participate in those activities normally carried out by the fully licensed speech-language pathologist with the condition that all speech-language evaluations, including testing, must be reviewed and signed by the supervising speech-language pathologist. The supervising speech-language pathologist, as a member of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) team, must maintain responsibility for special education decisions.

Essential Functions

Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the speech language pathologist(s) to support and reinforce instructional objectives.

Assists the assigned speech-language pathologist(s) in administering and scoring individual tests to help determine specific communication needs of students.

Gathers a variety of assessment data for the purposes of evaluation and record review.

Monitors and assists with the implementation of speech and language therapy and treatment plans in both general and special education settings for students ages 3-21; observes and reports student progress; and assists with screening and assessing students to identify needs for speech and language services.

Assists in the implementation of instructional plans designed by the IEP team for the purpose of presenting and reinforcing learning concepts previously presented by the speech language pathologist(s).

Assists in the implementation of effective remediation strategies and assists in reinforcing therapy and instruction (drills, exercises, practices, and/or assignments supporting IEP related goals and objectives) with individual or small groups of students with speech and language disabilities.

Confers with the speech language pathologist(s) concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.

Performs a variety of clerical duties and activities in support of the speech and language pathologist(s), such as preparing, typing, duplicating, assembling, and filing instructional materials; scheduling meetings; obtaining educational records; and preparing forms and paperwork prior to scheduled meetings.

Maintains and updates various records, logs, and files related to students progress and instructional activities.

Maintains an inventory of materials, tests, protocols, and supplies for the assigned speech-language pathologist(s).

Reacts to change productively and handles other tasks as assigned.

Adheres to all district health and safety policies.

Adheres to district, state, and federal confidentiality policies.

Minimum Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Familiar with technology and software applications.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Desire to continue formal education and career improvement in the field of speech and language pathology.

Education, Certification

High School diploma or equivalent.

Meets minimum qualifications established by the Secretary of Aging and Disability Services, which are less than those required for licensing (KAR 28-61-8).

Some college hours are preferred, preferably in communication sciences and disorders.

Experience

Previous work with children recommended.

Those seeking practicum-related experience while serving concurrently in this role, pre-approval must be obtained from the college/university and the district.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $17.55 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• Health savings account
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance

Medical specialties:

• Pediatrics

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person