Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Job Summary

The Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) serves as a member of an educational team and is authorized to perform tasks prescribed, directed, and supervised by a Certified Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in the implementation of services for children/students with speech, language, cognitive, voice, oral, muscular, augmentative/alternative communication disorders and hearing impairments.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Aid the Speech/Language Pathologist by providing services for students with disabilities including screening, observations, and instruction; assist in the selection, preparation, and presentation of materials, including technology for instruction and other activities.
• Implement documented intervention plans developed by a Speech/Language Pathologist and other designated personnel when implementing programming including oral, written, manual, augmentative and alternative communication techniques.
• Knowledgeable about communication disorders including fluency, voice and resonance, receptive/expressive language, and language-based learning disabilities; understand and communicate about hearing disabilities and their impact on speech/language as well as the cognitive and social aspects of communication disorders.
• Accurately collect data and maintain records in a timely manner for the purpose of student progress toward IEP goals and behavior support plans. Report information to supervising Speech/Language Pathologists especially when adapting instruction for student achievement in the least restrictive environment.
• Aid the Speech/Language Pathologist in the assessment or screening of students without interpretation and report directly to the supervising Speech/Language Pathologist. Implement use of technologies including adaptive and assistive equipment that facilitates student learning.
• Understand the purpose of the IEP as it applies to the Speech/Language Pathologist Assistant assignment; demonstrate awareness of how student's goals are driven by curriculum and district and state evaluations.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job especially concerning students and their families; refer concerns expressed by families, students or others to their supervisor or licensed team member.
• Attend team meetings and other meetings as required furthering professional development, recognizing opportunities to generalize knowledge which serves to support student needs in the school environment.
• Ensure safety in all environments, practice safe work habits and personal safety; follow universal health and safety precautions.
• Attend to student medical needs as delegated by a Health Care Plan.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt to changes in responsibilities and work schedules by maintaining flexibility and positive, professional work ethic.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences in beliefs, traditions and values especially as they relate to students.
• Listen for understanding, share information appropriately and participate in problem-solving or planning activities.
• Recognize own professional limitations and perform within boundaries of training and job responsibilities.
• Assist in clerical duties as assigned by the supervising Speech/Language Pathologist including but not limited to scheduling, safety and maintenance of supplies and equipment and record keeping.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by supervisor/administrator.

Education, Training And Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communication, Speech and Language Pathology or Communication Disorders/Speech Sciences or a Bachelor's Degree (in any major) plus 24 semester hours in speech language hearing sciences.
• Successful completion of a Speech/Language Pathology Assistant program from an institution whose program meets or exceeds recommended guidelines established by the American Speech/Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Possess or be eligible for a Colorado Department of Education Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Authorization. The Colorado SLPA Authorization must be held within 30 days of the candidate's start date in this teaching position.
• Each special education provider shall serve, at a minimum, a majority of students whose identified area of need aligns with the provider's endorsement.
• Endorsement levels must be appropriate for the age range being served, in accordance with ECEA Rule 3.04.
• Transcripts required.
• Criminal background check and District fingerprinting required.