School Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Haywood County School District • Brownsville, TN

21h

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

• Education: 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.
• Certification & Licensure: Hold a valid and current state license as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
• Experience: Completion of the required supervised clinical fieldwork hours as mandated by state licensing boards.
• Skills: 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Therapy Implementation: Provide direct treatment assistance to students individually or in small groups by following documented treatment plans developed by the supervising SLP.
• Documentation: 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.
• IEP Support: Implement the goals, objectives, and accommodations as outlined in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Screening & Assessment: 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.
• Material Preparation: Prepare and organize therapy materials, instructional resources, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
• Collaboration & Communication: 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.
• Clerical and Administrative Duties: Perform a variety of clerical tasks, such as scheduling, record-keeping, and maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Professional Conduct: Adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA and FERPA, regarding student confidentiality. Maintain ethical conduct and professionalism at all times.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree