Speech Language Pathology Assistant (District-Wide)

Chicopee Public Schools•Chicopee, MA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) supports the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in serving public-school students ages 3–21. The SLPA follows documented treatment plans and protocols developed by the SLP, documents student performance, shares information with staff and families as directed, and assists with screening, departmental operations, equipment and supplies, training, and public relations. The position requires travel between school buildings within the City and active participation in supervision and continuing education. The SLPA must work within the assistant’s scope of practice and refrain from tasks that are solely the SLP’s responsibility. The role includes physical and communication demands. The employee must be able to operate office equipment; occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force and frequently exert up to 10 pounds; and stand, crouch, and bend for extended periods at intervals throughout the day. The employee must also be able to communicate orally and by telephone, read and prepare varied written materials, and perform work requiring coordination, dexterity, interpersonal interaction, and the ability to respond under stress or in emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a speech-language pathology or communication disorders program.
Successful completion of at least 100 hours of supervised field work experience or its clinical experience equivalent.
License to practice as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Past adherence to ethical practice within the scope and responsibilities of an SLPA.
Ability to operate equipment such as computers, copiers, and adding machines.
Ability to occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force and frequently exert up to 10 pounds of force to move objects, including the human body.
Ability to stand, crouch, and bend for long periods at intervals throughout the day.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and by telephone, read varied materials, prepare written materials, follow oral and written instructions, and perform the other stated communication and coordination functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Responsibilities

Identify oneself as an SLPA to students, staff, and families.
Assist the SLP with prevention and screening of potential speech and language disorders.
Follow SLP-developed treatment plans or protocols in areas including articulation and phonology, fluency, voice and resonance, receptive and expressive language, literacy, pragmatics, cognitive aspects, multiculturalism, augmentative and alternative communication, telepractice, behavior, hearing, and swallowing, as applicable to students ages 3–21 in public schools.
Document student performance and report the information to the supervising SLP.
Collaborate with staff and families and share information about goals and strategies as directed by the SLP.
Check and maintain inventory and equipment.
Assist with departmental operations, including preparing materials, scheduling, recordkeeping, third-party billing, departmental data, and safety and 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 the supervisory process.
Refrain from performing tasks or activities that are solely the responsibility of the SLP.
Perform school duties under the Unit A contract and attend building and staff meetings; demonstrate professionalism, including punctuality, cooperation, organization, and respect.
Pursue continuing education and professional development as required by license requirements.
Travel between school buildings within the City.