Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

The Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) supports the provision of speech–language pathology services under the supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The SLPA assists in implementing treatment plans, collecting data, preparing materials, and performing tasks that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of speech-language services in a variety of age groups to include: infant (birth to 1 year), Pediatric (1year to 12 years), Adolescence years, Adult years), and Geriatric (65 years and above). All work must comply with the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (OBESPA) standards and supervision requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):

• Implement speech and language therapy activities as directed by the supervising SLP.
• Provide direct therapy services to individuals following documented treatment plans.
• Collect and record accurate data on patient performance; report observations to the supervising SLP.
• Assist with screenings without interpreting results, and support the SLP during assessment activities.
• Prepare therapy materials, equipment, and instructional resources.
• Document patient progress in accordance with facility, district, and state guidelines.
• Support carryover of communication goals into classroom, home, or community settings as directed.
• Comply with Oklahoma supervision requirements, including scheduling and participating in required supervisory sessions.
• Participate in professional development and training as required by employer or state regulation.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the SLPA scope of practice as defined by OBESPA.
• Patient and family education/training, in addition to counseling individuals and families on ways to cope with swallowing and communication disorders.
• Take responsibility for care given to patient by support staff which includes orienting, instructing, and directing work activities of students and Rehab Techs.
• Confer with physician and other practitioners to integrate SLP with other aspects of patient's health care.
• Maintain current state licensure by completing licensing board and state requirements.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations, and adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Demonstrate understanding of the obligation to preserve the confidentiality of patient and staff health and financial information and circumstances.
• Maintain legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO) standards.
• Appropriately adapts assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the physical, cultural, age-specific, and other developmental needs of each person served.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through continuing education opportunities including internal and external educational offerings.
• Utilization of assistive devices for lifting is mandatory.
• Must adhere to safety protocols at all times.
• Per DRH policy, all required conditions of employment must be met and maintained including required vaccinations.
• This position requires respirator and fit testing. Required testing will be performed on all team members at risk for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet producing procedures, or any caustic chemicals.
• Implement DRH Standards of Behavior and exhibit behaviors consistent with DRH core values.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Communication skills including fluency in oral and written English. Basic computer skills including the ability to send/receive/email, navigate information technology associated with the position, and use Electronic Health Record information tools. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; Ability to remain flexible to quickly adapt to urgent situations. Ability to adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to accomplish the requirements of the position.

Analytical skills for selecting the best diagnostic tools and analyzing results to identify an accurate diagnosis while developing an effective treatment plan; Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents; Communication skills for communicating diagnoses, test results, and available treatments in terms that clients and their families can understand; Compassion when working with individuals frustrated by the difficulties they are experiencing; Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; Critical thinking skills for adjusting treatment plans as required and identifying alternative ways to help; Attention to detail for maintaining notes on treatment and progress; Listening skills for listening to concerns and symptoms of clients so they can decide the most appropriate course of treatment; Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques; Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. 

Education and/or Experience:   Associate degree in Speech-Language Pathology Assisting or a bachelor degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (or related field) with the completion of clinical field work hours as required by Oklahoma and American Speech Language Hearing Association guidelines. Prior experience working with children or adults with communication disorders is preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:  Valid Oklahoma SLPA license issued by the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; Must maintain required continuing education and supervision per OBESPA guidelines. BLS and AED certification required; May have up to 30 days from date of hire or