Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (26-27)

Mission Statement:
Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

    
Primary Purpose:
The Speech Language Pathologist Assistant will provide a variety of speech therapy services for students to provide parents, teachers, and administrators and other school personnel information regarding a students' communication strengths and needs.
 
Under the supervision of a credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist, the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant completes a variety of tasks such as activities designed to develop pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication to support students who receive Special Education services under the disabling condition of Speech Impairment.  Additionally, under the supervision of a credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist, the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant will provide direct services to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel in the general and special education settings and may provide staff development as requested.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with Speech and Language goals contained in the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of therapy services
• Counsel and involve parents in remediation process
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students
• Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and understand communication deficits in students
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the student
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student
• Implement appropriate IEP goals for individual students based on Speech/Language assessments
• Demonstrate professional organizational skills that allow for efficient and expedient prioritization of tasks and projects
• Stay current in Special Education law and best practices
• Accept and offer team directions and feedback
• Exhibit professional demeanor and resourcefulness
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups
• Perform other duties as assigned such as SHARS billing
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, ARD Committee meeting records and other documents required for compliance with state and federal statute
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, local board policy and administrative regulations 

Education, Experience, and/or Certification(s)

• Education Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in speech-language pathology and/or audiology (with at least 18 hours in speech-language pathology)
• Experience Requirements
  • 25 hours of clinical observation and 25 hours of clinical assisting experience
  • School experience preferred
• Special Skills/Certifications
  • Valid state license as a Speech-Language Pathologist-Assistant
  • Knowledge of speech and language pathology equipment, materials and procedures
  • Knowledge of normal speech and language development
  • Knowledge of learning patterns in children
  • Knowledge of Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices
  • Knowledge of common software applications for use of developing speech and language
  • Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
  • Ability to set priorities
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

 
Required Skills/Abilities:

• Communication Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills required.
  • Ability to communication with all levels of personnel, students, and parents.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and apply common sense understanding and to carry out instructions in written or oral form.
  • Strong consultation skills for conferen