Speech Language Pathologist Assistant - Autism School 25/26 SY

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Supervisor: Principal

Term of Employment: 10 months

Group: 2

Job Summary: Victory Autism Academy is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) to assist the Speech Language Pathologist in reducing or eliminating speech and hearing impairments that hinder students from fully benefiting from the Academy’s educational program. The SLPA will support students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, collaborating with the SLP to deliver therapy services and help students develop effective communication skills.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the Principal.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Assist the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in providing speech-language therapy services to Kindergarten through 12th-grade students, under the supervision of the SLP.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to schedule and deliver therapy services using various models such as classroom interventions, consultation, and pull-out therapy to meet students' needs in the least restrictive environment.
• Create and implement therapy activities for individual and group sessions that target IEP goals, using materials and approaches suited to students' interests and needs.
• Help collect data and track progress during therapy sessions, ensuring that records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Support classroom teachers in integrating speech and language goals into the curriculum, reinforcing communication skills and language acquisition in the classroom.
• Provide feedback to students during therapy sessions and use positive reinforcement to encourage communication growth and development.
• Organize and manage a caseload of students, coordinating with the SLP to ensure therapy is provided in a timely and effective manner.
• Assist with clerical tasks such as maintaining speech-language files, preparing documentation, and scheduling therapy sessions.
• Communicate with teachers, parents, and staff by sharing speech-language development strategies and resources to support student progress at school and at home.
• Work with classroom staff to ensure the implementation of speech-language therapy goals and provide guidance to help students achieve these goals.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings with the permission of the supervising SLP, providing updates and observations.
• Ensure that no changes to treatment plans are made without input from the SLP.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Victory Autism Academy’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations regarding special education and speech-language services.
• Expertise in special education curriculum and language development strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to assess student learning and progress.
• Skilled in identifying and de-escalating challenging behaviors.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, students, parents, and the community.
• Proficiency in using a personal computer and relevant software applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Ability to maintain an Arizona driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work outside regular working hours if required.
• May be required to travel for work functions