Speech Language Pathology Assistant

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under limited supervision, performs highly skilled and responsible tasks prescribed by and in support of the speech language pathologist. In addition, adhere to to all applicable state licensure laws and rules regulating the practice of speech-language pathology, such as those requiring licensure or registration of support personnel; conduct oneself ethically within the scope of practice and responsibilities for an SLPA; actively participate with the SLP in the supervisory process; and actively pursue continuing education and professional development activities. Reports to the Exceptional Children Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

CLERICAL SKILLS: SLP-Assistant is able to perform clerical tasks, specific to the role of the North Carolina SLP-Assistant:

• Prepare and maintain student's charts and records effectively.
• Answer telephone, send electronic mail, use office equipment appropriately.

ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS: SLP-Assistant is able to perform administrative tasks, specific to the role of the North Carolina SLP-Assistant:

• Practice effective time management.
• Calculate and record relevant statistical data.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT: SLP-Assistant is able to perform in a professional manner that is in accordance with the North Carolina Code of Ethics for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists:

• Follow facility's dress code and safety rules.
• Respect and maintain student confidentiality.
• Recognize and adhere to professional limitations and perform within the boundaries of training and assignments.
• Understand and respect the necessity for a supervisor/supervisee relationship.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and flexibility when under pressure.
• Adhere to schedules.
• Follow school guidelines.
• Work well independently.
• Work well in a total school environment.

CLINICAL SKILLS: SLP-Assistant is able to comprehend the diversity of the setting and perform at a level that is comparable to their level of training:

• Familiarize self with clinical settings and clinical methodologies.
• Use appropriate oral and written communication skills in working with students, co-workers and supervisors.
• Utilize appropriate stimuli, records specific target behaviors, reinforce the student's responses, and provide appropriate cues as designated in the written session protocol.
• Appropriately administer speech-language screening/protocols.
• Tabulate/score screening results, target behaviors and performance data.
• Prepare treatments/screening materials before the beginning of each treatment/screening session, assuring that such materials are appropriate to the student's age, developmental level, culture, and communication level.
• Effectively manage the behavior of students using behavioral management techniques in order to establish and maintain appropriate social interaction and motivate/attention to task.
• Create appropriate materials and/or games for therapy.
• Effectively manage, operate, program and/or monitor clinical equipment and materials, including: computer-based equipment and software, as directed by the therapy protocol.
• Initiate and apply feedback from supervisor.
• Seek information needed before acting.
• Record detailed data notes from each therapy session to meet the requirements for Medicaid billing.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

An SLPA must complete an approved course of academic study, field work under the supervision of an ASHA-certified and/or licensed SLP, and on-the-job training specific to SLPA responsibilities and workplace behaviors.

The academic course of study must include or be equivalent to

• an associate's degree in an SLPA program, or
• a bachelor's degree in a speech-language pathology or communication disorders program, and
• successful completion of a minimum of one hundred (100) hours of supervised field work experience or its clinical experience equivalent, and
• demonstration of competency in the skills required of an SLPA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: : Must be physically able to lift and move objects related to the

job functions. Physical demand requirements are for light work.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read forms and materials associated with the job functions.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out

instructions furnished in written or oral form.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in standard English.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add, subtract, divide and multiply.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes accurately in using instructional objects.

Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors or shades of color.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within the classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this job. It is not a contract or guarantee of employment, salary or benefits.