School Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Haywood County School District•Brownsville, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) works under the direct supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to provide therapy and support services to students with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. The SLP-A's primary role is to implement documented treatment plans and therapeutic protocols designed by the supervising SLP. This position requires strong collaboration skills, a foundational understanding of communication development, and a commitment to student progress and well-being.

Requirements

A minimum of an associate degree from an SLPA program, or a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and Disorders (CSD) or a related field.
Completion of a post-baccalaureate SLPA certificate program is often required.
Coursework in areas such as phonetics, language development, anatomy of speech and hearing, and speech sound disorders is essential.
Hold a valid and current state license as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
Completion of the required supervised clinical fieldwork hours as mandated by state licensing boards.

Nice To Haves

SLP-A certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is highly preferred.
Prior experience working with children or in an educational setting is preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Patience, empathy, and a compassionate demeanor when working with students and their families.
Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
Proficiency in using and maintaining therapy equipment, including AAC devices and computer software.

Responsibilities

Provide direct treatment assistance to students individually or in small groups by following documented treatment plans developed by the supervising SLP.
Collect and record accurate, objective data on student performance during therapy sessions. This includes tracking progress toward IEP goals, tallying data, and preparing charts or graphs without interpreting the findings.
Implement the goals, objectives, and accommodations as outlined in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Assist the supervising SLP in conducting screenings, preparing materials, and administering specific assessment tools as directed. The SLP-A does not interpret or diagnose results.
Prepare and organize therapy materials, instructional resources, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
Maintain consistent and open communication with the supervising SLP regarding student performance, progress, and any concerns.
Communicate with students, families, and teachers about a student's progress and carryover activities as directed by the supervising SLP.
Collaborate with other school staff to support the integration of communication skills in the classroom and other settings.
Perform a variety of clerical tasks, such as scheduling, record-keeping, and maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment.
Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA and FERPA, regarding student confidentiality.
Maintain ethical conduct and professionalism at all times.