Speech Language Pathology Assistant - Spring 2025

Purpose Statement

A speech-language pathology assistant/paraeducator works under the direction and supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist and has special training in conducting assessments and working with children, teachers, and parents.  A speech-language pathology assistant/paraeducator must be supervised, by a licensed speech-language pathologist, a minimum of 10 percent of the time they are working with students.  Speech-language pathology assistants/paraeducators who are speech-language pathology practicum students, placed in the district with cooperation of their training institution, may participate in those activities normally carried out by the fully licensed speech-language pathologist with the condition that all speech-language evaluations, including testing, must be reviewed and signed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.  The supervising speech-language pathologist, as a member of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) team, must maintain responsibility for special education decisions. 

Essential Functions

1. Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the speech language pathologist(s) to support and reinforce instructional objectives.
2. Assists the assigned speech-language pathologist(s) in administering and scoring individual tests to help determine specific communication needs of students.
3. Gathers a variety of assessment data for the purposes of evaluation and record review.
4. Monitors and assists with the implementation of speech and language therapy and treatment plans in both general and special education settings for students ages 3-21; observes and reports student progress; and assists with screening and assessing students to identify needs for speech and language services.
5. Assists in the implementation of instructional plans designed by the IEP team for the purpose of presenting and reinforcing learning concepts previously presented by the speech language pathologist(s).
6. Assists in the implementation of effective remediation strategies and assists in reinforcing therapy and instruction (drills, exercises, practices, and/or assignments supporting IEP related goals and objectives) with individual or small groups of students with speech and language disabilities.
7. Confers with the speech language pathologist(s) concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.
8. Performs a variety of clerical duties and activities in support of the speech and language pathologist(s), such as preparing, typing, duplicating, assembling, and filing instructional materials; scheduling meetings; obtaining educational records; and preparing forms and paperwork prior to scheduled meetings.
9. Maintains and updates various records, logs, and files related to students progress and instructional activities.
10. Maintains an inventory of materials, tests, protocols, and supplies for the assigned speech-language pathologist(s).
11. Reacts to change productively and handles other tasks as assigned.
12. Adheres to all district health and safety policies.
13. Adheres to district, state, and federal confidentiality policies.

Minimum Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Familiar with technology and software applications.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Desire to continue formal education and career improvement in the field of speech and language pathology.

Education, Certification

Preferred: Masters level Communication Science students in their practicum.

High School diploma or equivalent.

Meets minimum qualifications established by the Secretary of Aging and Disability Services, which are less than those required for licensing (KAR 28-61-8).

Some college hours are preferred, preferably in communication sciences and disorders.

Experience

Previous work with children recommended.

Those seeking practicum-related experience while serving concurrently in this role, pre-approval must be obtained from the college/university and the district.

Physical Demands, Working Environment

This position generally requires the following physical demands: occasional lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling. Generally the job requires 85% sitting, 10% walking, and 5% standing.