Special Education Instructional Assistant: Speech/Language Facilitator

Location: To be determined (may vary). Full-time position, 7.6 hours per day, 187 days per year.

About the role

The Special Education Instructional Assistant: Speech/Language Facilitator facilitates speech tele-therapy sessions under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist. This role also supports the instructional program, follows educational and behavioral plans, documents student progress, assists with special healthcare needs, models appropriate behaviors, and provides clerical support when teletherapy responsibilities are not in session.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate speech tele-therapy sessions under the direction of the Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Retrieve students from classrooms and escort them to and from the therapy room.
• Supervise students during therapy sessions and ensure they remain on task.
• Print and distribute Special Education documents, such as progress notes and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
• Communicate effectively with the Speech-Language Pathologist and teachers regarding therapy schedule changes.
• Operate and troubleshoot audio-visual equipment used for therapy sessions; report issues to administration and technology departments.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and school personnel information.
• Develop and maintain a pleasant and orderly training environment.
• Attend IEP meetings to facilitate communication between the Speech-Language Pathologist and the team.
• Assist special education teachers when therapy sessions are canceled or during breaks in the schedule.
• Perform clerical duties as directed by the Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assist students with special healthcare needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, gastric tube feeding, grooming).
• Support students with disabilities who have behavioral needs.
• Confer with teachers to evaluate student progress, coordinate tests and homework, and implement IEP objectives.
• Work with individuals and small groups as assigned by the classroom teacher.
• Provide programmed practice activities and repetitions developed by professionals.
• Supervise students in various settings (classroom, hallway, restroom, cafeteria, field trips).
• Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment; assist students with mobility needs.
• Collect and track academic and behavioral data as determined by student needs.
• Positively advocate for students with disabilities.
• Report and record observations and incidents.
• Take appropriate safety precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities.
• Attend and participate in job-related professional development.
• Engage in lifelong learning through workshops, publications, and professional networks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree (or higher), or 48 hours of college credit, or a passing score on the ParaProfessional Assessment with a high school diploma/GED.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform basic math and present information to others.
• Ability to understand, explain, and use data.
• Ability to follow complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.
• Ability to organize, supervise, and work with individuals or groups of students, teachers, and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong stakeholder service skills (students, staff, administration, parents, community agencies).
• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and self-motivation.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to multitask and work without distractions.
• Physical ability to stand, sit, walk, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, bend, push, pull, and carry objects averaging 50-75 lbs.
• Good hearing, vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.
• Ability to lift and assist students with special healthcare needs, including toileting.
• Significant dexterity of hands and fingers.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for students and staff.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Willingness to travel between school locations to provide speech/language facilitation.

Pay

Salary range: $31,673 – $35,886, in accordance with the established support salary scale, commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision).
• Life insurance.
• Participation in the Maryland Retirement and Pension Plan.
• Optional 403(b) contributions.
• Paid sick leave, personal days, and vacation (based on position).
• Access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources.