Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

This position is an exciting opportunity to grow as a professional and exercise your clinical skills in a variety of ways. The perfect candidate would have experience in phonological/speech sound disorders, late talking toddlers, social communication disorders, language-based learning disabilities, Autism, oral motor deficits, feeding, and fluency. The right person will have a strong work ethic, be organized, and passionate about working with kids.

About Speak Up Speech Therapy:

Located in Clackamas, just off of 205, Speak Up Speech Therapy is a pediatric clinic that I opened 2 years ago. I have worked in a variety of settings focusing solely on pediatrics for 13 years. I work with a wide variety of developmental and medical concerns including autism spectrum disorders, expressive & receptive language delays, stuttering, auditory processing issues, literacy, feeding and articulation disorders. Aside from treating the child, I focus on teaching the parents how to be successful with their child at home. I want the child and family to feel empowered and have confidence in the skills they are developing.

SLPA Position Summary:

Under the direction and supervision of a Speech and Language Pathologist, the Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) assists in supplementing, enhancing, and extending speech/language therapy services by completing a variety of tasks such as, but not limited to, direct activities with students designed to develop pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides direct assistance for speech, language and communication support under the supervision of the SLP; follows and implements documented treatment plans; documents student progress toward meeting established objectives, and reports the information to the SLP; assists the SLP during assessments, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties; prepares therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the therapy session; assists in maintaining client records, tallying data, preparing charts, records, graphs, and reports for the SLP

Note: The Speech and Language Assistant is NOT able to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter treatment plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising SLP.

Employments Standards:

Education and Experience:

Associate degree in and/or graduation from a Speech-Language Pathology assistant certificate program, OR Bachelors degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders with a minimum of 100 hours field work/clinical experience from a Board-approved program or speech-Language Pathologist.

Licenses and Certificates:

Current certification as an SLPA with the Board of Examiner for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology at the time of appointment and must maintain current certification throughout time at position.

Knowledge of:

• Speech and language pathology equipment, materials, and procedures;
• Normal speech, language, and hearing development;
• Language disorders and treatment;
• Articulation disorders and treatment;
• Acquired disorders and treatment;
• Learning patterns in children;
• Behavior management techniques and strategies;
• Learning problems of children with special education needs;
• English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and math;
• Routine recordkeeping.

Ability to:

• Assist speech-Language Pathologist with implementation of treatment plan
• Deal effectively with attitudes and behaviors of clients and their families
• Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms;
• Manage and use time effectively;
• Demonstrate appropriate conduct;
• Select, prepare, and present materials effectively;
• Maintain client progress documentation;
• Provide effective implementation of therapy objectives;
• Operate instructional and office equipment;
• Ability to do simple math in order to compile reports, and maintain records and status reports;
• Modify or Differentiate treatment plans to meet the clients needs and progress with guidance from SLP;
• Develop and monitor carry over activities for at home practice;

Physical Requirements:

Essential duties require, but are not limited to, the following physical abilities:

• Sit at a desk, table, on low chairs, on the floor or on mats, or in classrooms of various configurations for extended periods of time.
• See, read and distinguish colors, a computer screen, educational materials, books and other printed matter, with or without vision aids.
• Manual dexterity to enter data into a computer, and to perform assigned classroom tasks using both hands.
• Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors, and on the telephone.
• Mental acuity to perform the essential functions of this position in an accurate, neat, and timely fashion; to make good judgments and decisions; and to evaluate the results of decisions and judgments.