Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Performance Responsibilities

POSITION: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

REPORTS TO: Director of Exceptional Children

SALARY GRADE: State Salary Schedule commensurate with degree, certification and experience

POSITION SUMMARY: The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) is a 10 month position. 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant shall:

• Provide speech-language intervention services to students as prescribed in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and treatment plans developed by the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Implement therapeutic activities and instructional strategies designed by the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist to address communication needs.
• Collect, record, and maintain accurate data regarding student performance during therapy sessions and report progress to the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Prepare therapy materials, equipment, and instructional resources necessary for effective intervention sessions.
• Assist with speech-language screenings, observations, and other support activities as directed by the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Support the implementation and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and other assistive technology under the direction of the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Reinforce communication skills within classroom and educational settings through collaboration with teachers and other school personnel.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely service documentation in accordance with district, state, Medicaid (when applicable), and federal requirements.
• Protect the confidentiality of student records and personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, HIPAA (when applicable), and district policies.
• Maintain therapy schedules and communicate scheduling needs with school personnel while ensuring minimal disruption to instructional time.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings when requested by the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist and provide objective information regarding student performance.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with supervising staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and other educational team members.
• Attend required staff meetings, professional development activities, and training sessions to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Maintain therapy materials, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Demonstrate professionalism by maintaining appropriate work habits, punctuality, dependability, and ethical conduct consistent with district policies and the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
• Perform duties only within the scope of practice authorized for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and under the supervision required by North Carolina law and regulations.
• Refrain from performing duties reserved exclusively for licensed Speech-Language Pathologists, including conducting comprehensive evaluations, diagnosing communication disorders, determining eligibility for services, developing or modifying IEP goals independently, or dismissing students from speech-language services.
• Follow all district procedures regarding safety, emergency preparedness, mandated reporting, and student supervision.
• Utilize district technology systems to maintain service records, communication logs, scheduling, and required documentation.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist, Exceptional Children Director, Principal, or designee that are consistent with the scope of the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; frequently required to walk and use hands for tools or controls; and occasionally required to stand and reach. The role requires close, color, and depth vision with the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds (e.g., files, books, supplies).

COGNITIVE DEMANDS:

The role requires the ability to compare, evaluate, and interpret data, people, and materials; apply logical reasoning to define problems, analyze data, and draw conclusions; and interpret technical, mathematical, and diagrammatic information with multiple variables.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Requires the ability to clearly speak, listen, and exchange information; follow and provide oral and written directions; and communicate effectively with staff, administrators, and other stakeholders. The employee must be able to read and respond to a variety of professional documents and produce clear written materials using standard grammar and formatting.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:

Requires proficiency in reading and interpreting correspondence, reports, manuals, data, and technical materials, as well as preparing written documents such as reports, forms, and charts. The employee must communicate effectively using professional and technical terminology, including educational and data-related language.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a school and office setting with a moderate to loud noise level. The employee regularly interacts with staff, students, and the public. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This specification has been designated to represent the general nature and level of work found in positions in this class. As such, it is not intended to contain all of the duties and qualifications required of an employee in a single position (job). Consequently, it is not to be perceived as a position (job) description or as identification of essential functions as required by ADA.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of an Associate's degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting from an accredited institution of higher learning, community college, or equivalent program; or
• Evidence of successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution as well as evidence of successful completion of courses developed by the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges.
• Assistants must achieve a passing score on a competency test approved by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Registration as an assistant with the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists by a supervising speech-language pathologist who is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists, and subject to rules and regulations for speech-language pathology assistants adopted by the Board of Examiners.

EVALUATION:

Performance in this position will be evaluated regularly by the supervisor in accordance with Board Policy.

CONTACT:

Christy Grant

Executive Director Student Support Services and Special Education

Nash County Public School System

252-937-9077 (office)