Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

JOB TITLE: Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant
REPORTS TO : Assigned to licensed speech-language pathologist with at least three years of experience as a speech-language pathologist.
SUPERVISES: No supervisory responsibilities
WORKS WITH: Speech-Language Pathologists, Classroom teacher and aides, Special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, administrators and classified staff
QUALIFICATIONS : Associate's degree in speech-language pathology assisting or a bachelor's degree with major emphasis in speech-language pathology or communication disorders from an accredited academic institution. A valid Speech-Language Pathologist South Dakota License through Department of Health is required.
Speech-language pathologist assistant must also submit an official transcript verifying necessary academic preparation and clinical experiences. Supervised clinical practicum of a minimum of one hundred clock hours as a speech-language pathologist assistant while either on the job or during academic preparation is required.
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT AND HOURS OF DUTY: Student school term calendar 8:00 to 4:00 with ½ hour for lunch; AM and PM break
JOB SUMMARY: The speech-language pathology assistant, as a member of an educational team, works under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist in implementation of services for children/students with speech, language, cognitive, voice, swallowing, oral muscular, augmentative/alternative communication disorders, and hearing impairments.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: A speech-language pathology assistant may perform the following duties under direct supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist:

• Administer speech, language, and hearing screenings without clinical interpretation.
• Assist with informal documentation such as notes for supervising speech-language pathologist to use, prepare materials, and assist with other duties as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
• Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
• Document client performance through tallying data for the SLP to use, preparing charts, records, and graphs and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist.
• Perform simple checks and maintenance on equipment.
• Assist the supervising speech-language pathologist during assessment of clients; excluding administration and interpretation.
• Support the supervising speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs.
• Assist with scheduling, record keeping, and safety and maintenance of supplies and equipment.
• Exhibit compliance with regulations, confidentiality policies, reimbursement requirements, and speech-language pathology assistant's job responsibilities as assigned by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
• Program and provide instruction in the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices.
• Demonstrate or share information with patient's families and staff regarding established feeding strategies, without bolus as developed and directed by the speech-language pathologist.
• Provide guidance and treatment via telepractice to students, patients, and clients who are selected by the supervising speech-language pathologist as appropriate for this service delivery model.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is a combination of sedentary and physical activities completed in a normal education environment. Travel between schools may be necessary to service students in various schools across the district.