Speech Language Pathologist Assistant - HES

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Hiddenite Elementary School

Permanent Fulltime 10month position

NATURE OF WORK

An employee in this position administers direct and indirect intervention for students to assist a speechlanguage pathologist in the provision of clinicaleducational services for students with speechlanguage disorders. The work is guided by therapeutic protocols a task by task plan written by the supervising speechlanguage pathologist. The assistant is expected to use individually designed interventions based upon the unique clinicaleducational needs of each student. The assistants work with students is under direct supervision by the speechlanguage pathologist; however the assistant is expected to recognize when changes in a students needs require assistance from the supervising speechlanguage pathologist. Errors in service could cause serious harm to students and potential liability for the supervising speechlanguage pathologist the school system and the assistant. The assistant works under the supervision of a speechlanguage pathologist licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists. The assistant requires limited supervision in indirect services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administers screening protocols.

Transports students to/from testing or therapy area.

Administers therapeutic treatment protocols written by the speechlanguage pathologist.

Communicates with students and other professionals to meet the emotional needs of students.

Obtains case histories and completes observation checklists.

Manages behavior using appropriately designed management techniques.

Summarizes and records target behaviors during therapy sessions.

Completes random moment in time studies as required by MAC program guidelines.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs clerical and administrative functions.

Organizes and manages student data and records.

Tabulates and scores tests.

Arranges the clinicaleducational setting to maintain a safe and positive environment.

Manages operates programs and/or monitors equipment and materials.

MINIMUM TRAINING

Completion of an Associates Degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology Assisting from an accredited institution of higher learning community college or equivalent program; or evidence of successful completion of a Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution as well as evidence of successful completion of courses developed by the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges. Assistants must achieve a passing score on a competency test approved by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Registration as an assistant with the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists by a supervising speechlanguage pathologist who is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists and subject to rules and regulations for speechlanguage pathology assistants adopted by the Board of Examiners.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment and tools including computer software computer hardware cables etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving and receiving instructions assignments and/or directions from superiors.

Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence technical manuals newsletters trade journals etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports forms training materials documentation etc. using prescribed formats.

Requires the 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.

Requires the 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 computer terminology.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology normal communication development phonetics developmental psychology various types of disabilities seen in schoolchildren and various speechlanguage disorders and approaches to therapeutic educational intervention and roles of supervising speechlanguage pathologists and assistants.

Working knowledge of behavioral management practices.

Working knowledge of the operation of schools.

Skills in obtaining case histories and completing observation checklists.

Skills in administering speechlanguage screening and therapeutic protocols.

Skills in managing operating programming and/or monitoring clinicaleducational equipment and materials including assistive listening devices augmentative communication devices voice equipment and computerbased equipment and software.

Ability to communicate effectively with students families and professionals.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.

Ability to arrange the therapy setting to maintain a safe and positive environment.