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:  

1. Administer speech, language, and hearing screenings without clinical interpretation.
2. 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.
3. Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
4. 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.
5. Perform simple checks and maintenance on equipment.
6. Assist the supervising speech-language pathologist during assessment of clients; excluding administration and interpretation.
7. Support the supervising speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs.
8. Assist with scheduling, record keeping, and safety and maintenance of supplies and equipment.
9. Exhibit compliance with regulations, confidentiality policies, reimbursement requirements, and speech-language pathology assistant's job responsibilities as assigned by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
10. Program and provide instruction in the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices.
11. 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.
12. 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.