Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Primary Purpose: Provide speech-language pathology services to students under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in accordance with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements.

Qualifications:

• Education/Certification: Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or related field
• Valid Texas Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license issued by TDLR
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of speech-language disorders and conditions
• Experience: Fifty hours of clinical observation and assisting experience as required for licensure

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Therapy:

• Assist with speech and language screenings as directed by the supervising licensed speech-language pathologist.
• Implement the treatment program or the individual education plan (IEP) as designed by the supervising licensed speech-language pathologist.
• Conduct carry-over activities to transfer a student's newly acquired communication ability to other contexts and situations.
• Participate in ARD committee meetings as directed by the supervising licensed speech-language pathologist.
• Conduct observations and prepare clinical materials.
• Collect and document student performance data for progress monitoring purposes.
• Prepare therapy materials and assist in maintaining therapy resources and equipment.
• Assist with documentation requirements related to Medicaid/SHARS billing in accordance with district procedures.

Consultation:

• Work with classroom teachers to implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.

Student Management:

• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for maturity level and interests of students.
• Assist in maintaining appropriate student behavior and a positive learning environment.

Program Management:

• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including maintaining clinical records in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policies. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Perform duties only as assigned and supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist in accordance with state licensure rules.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard testing equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting nonambulatory students
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure