Speech Language Pathology Assistant

Chicopee Public Schools•Chicopee, MA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) working under a Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement. The role involves assisting a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in preventing and screening speech/language disorders, implementing treatment plans, documenting student performance, and collaborating with staff and families. The SLPA will also assist with departmental operations, inventory, and equipment maintenance. The position requires active participation in supervision, adherence to ethical practice, and pursuit of continuing education. School duties as per the Unit A contract, including staff meetings and professionalism, are also expected. The job requires traveling between school buildings within the City.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree from a speech-language pathology or communication disorders program
Successful completion of a minimum of one hundred (100) hours of supervised field work experience or its clinical experience equivalent
License to practice as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Past adherence to practicing ethically within the scope of practice and responsibilities for an SLPA
Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, adding machines, etc.
Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Must be able to stand, crouch and bend over for a long period of time at intervals throughout the day.
Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics of data, people or things.
Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving instructions, assignments or directions.
Ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, forms, newsletters, schedules, manuals, invoices, requisitions, menus, recipes, journals, etc.
Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, evaluations, procedures, charts, surveys, articles, bid specifications, brochures, news releases, handbooks, budgets, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical, legal, accounting and marketing terminology.
Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; and to apply the principles of algebra and geometry.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment and hand tools. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)
Must be able to communicate via telephone.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Autism Spectrum Disorders preferred

Responsibilities

Self-identify as an SLPA to students, staff and families.
Assist the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with the prevention and screening of potential speech/language disorders.
Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising SLP in various areas of speech and language for students aged 3-21.
Document student performance and report this information to the supervising SLP.
Collaborate and share information with staff and families regarding goals and strategies developed as directed by the SLP.
Perform checks and maintenance of inventory/equipment.
Assist with departmental operations (preparing materials, scheduling, recordkeeping, third-party billing, and departmental data) safety/maintenance of supplies and equipment as directed by the SLP.
Support the supervising SLP with in-service training and public relations programs.
Actively participate in supervisory process.
Refrain from performing tasks or activities that are the sole responsibility of the SLP.
Perform school duties as per Unit A contract, building and staff meetings, and maintain professionalism (punctual, cooperative, organized, respectful, etc.).
Actively pursue continuing education and professional development as per license requirements.