Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (Slp-A)

Charleston R-I School District is seeking qualified applicants for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) for the 2023-2024 school year.
An SLP-Assistant is a person who provides Speech-Language Pathology services under the supervision and direction of a Speech-Language Pathologist holding current, unrestricted licensure in the state of Missouri under section 345.015(10), RSMo. Registration to practice as an SLP-Assistant in Missouri is granted through the Advisory Commission for Speech-Language
Pathologists and Audiologists of the State Board of Healing Arts.
SLP-Assistants are NOT autonomous practitioners and must practice under the supervision of a Master's level, Missouri-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. They are eligible to practice, with adequate supervision, in any clinical setting (schools, hospitals, clinics, early intervention settings, etc.) where licensed SLPs can practice.
Registration Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP-Assistants)
1. Official Transcript(s) Showing Bachelor's Degree:
- Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from program ASHA approved to grant Master's SLP degree.
OR
- Bachelor's degree in another area with a total of 21 hours in five speech/language areas: anatomy/physiology, phonetics, speech/language development, speech/language disorders (including developmental and acquired), AND clinical methods.
2. Documentation of the following to be provided:
- Minimum of 25 hours documented clinical observation in Speech-Language Pathology
AND
- Minimum of25 hours of documented clinical assisting or clinical practicum in area of Speech/Language Pathology.
3. Registration Forms of the Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
Requirements for Supervising Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
A Missouri licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can supervise, train, and use up to 3 SLP- Assistants at a time in his or her work setting. The licensed SLP must provide in writing a statement to the Advisory Commission that he/she accepts legal and ethical responsibilities for supervising the assistant. The SLP is responsible for all clinical activities of the assistant.
Supervision Requirements:
- The supervising SLP has the responsibility of ensuring and protecting the interests of all patients, clients, or students at all times the assistant is practicing or interacting with them. This responsibility includes both the supervisor's and the assistant's compliance with ethical standards of practice specified in rule 20 CSR 21504.080.
- The supervisor is responsible for verifying that the assistant holds current registration to practice in Missouri as an assistant.
- The supervisor is responsible for assuring that the assistant is practicing within approved scope of practice.
- The supervisor is responsible for assuring that the assistant is trained and qualified to perform tasks or procedures required.
- The supervisor is responsible for all services performed by the assistant in the role as SLP-Assistant.
- The supervisor must provide the assistant with written information as to the assistant's role and function and the role of the supervising SLP. This information must be maintained by both the supervisor and the assistant for eight years.
- The supervisor must provide the assistant with written direction for continuing education activities to ensure the assistant's skills are maintained and practices are current. This information must be maintained by the both the supervisor and the assistant for eight years.
- The supervisor must directly supervise the assistant's initial contact with each patient, client, or student. After the initial contact, direct supervision must be provided for each assistant minimally one hour per week or one of every three sessions for each patient, client, or student. Direct supervision is real-time observing and viewing the assistant and each patient/client/student when treatment is being provided. If an alternative arrangement is necessary, the supervising SLP must submit a proposed plan for the review of the advisory commission. Supervision is to be distributed across the caseload to ensure adequate oversight.
- The supervising SLP must be available to provide guidance and support to the assistant at all times (can include electronic or telephone contact). A qualified SLP may be designated if the supervising SLP is temporarily unavailable. In this case the supervising SLP must provide written communication to the assistant identifying the alternate and the period of temporary supervision.
- The supervising SLP must review and sign all progress notes written by the assistant.
- The supervising SLP must assign only those duties and responsibilities for which the assistant has been specifically trained and is qualified to perform.
- The supervising SLP must sign verification of the assistant's logs of hours of supervision each month to be maintained for the review of the advisory commission upon request.
Responsibilities and Scope of Practice of SLP-Assistant
1. All duties of the SLP-Assistant shall be assigned by the SLP supervisor. Only duties for which the assistant has been specifically trained and is qualified to perform shall be accepted by the assistant.
2. At the initial contact with each adult patient/client or guardian/caregiver, the SLP-Assistant must identify his or herself as an SLP-Assistant and explain that they do not act independently but under the direction and supervision of the licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. For students eligible for special education services, such identification should be provided in an individualized education program meeting.
3. The SLP-Assistant must keep written records provided by the supervisor specifying the assistant's role and function and the role and function of the SLP for eight years.
4. The SLP-Assistant must keep written records for eight years provided by the supervisor of direction for continuing education activities to ensure the assistant's practices are current and skills are maintained.
5. The SLP-Assistant must maintain logs of hours of supervision each month and have them signed by the supervising SLP. These logs should be made available to the advisory commission on request.
6. Activities of an SLP-Assistant may include the following under the supervision of the licensed SLP:
- Conducting speech, language, or hearing screenings without interpretation using screening protocols specified by the supervising SLP.
- Following documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising SLP.
- Documenting patient/client progress, without interpretation of findings, toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan and reporting this information to the supervising SLP.
- Assisting the SLP in collecting and tallying data, without interpretation, for assessment purposes or during an intervention session.
- Reporting in conferences or meetings as directed by the supervising SLP.
- Communicating with a patient, student, or client or with their family or staff as directed by the supervising SLP.
- Scheduling activities, preparing charts, records, graphs or other displays of data.
- Constructing or modifying instructional materials.
- Participating with the SLP in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs.
- Performing checks and maintenance of equipment.
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not certify or register Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. All registration and enforcement is conducted through the Missouri State Board of Healing Arts. The State Board can be contacted at http://pr.mo.gov/healingarts.asp . The Rules for certification of SLP-Assistants can be found at
http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/20csr/20c2150-4.pdf .
For more information regarding the position contact:
Amy Brown, Special Programs Director - Office: 573-683-3776 - Email: abrown@charleston.k12.mo.us
An application packet should consist of the following:
Completed Application - Cover Letter - Current Resume (including references) - Copy of College Transcripts - Evidence of a Valid Missouri Teacher's Certificate - Copy of All Additional Certifications - Letters of Recommendation
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory outcome of a criminal background check and other requirements as defined in Board Policy.
To apply, obtain an application, or inquire, please contact:
Summer Babb, Human Resources
Phone: (573) 683-3776
Fax: (573) 683-2909
Email: sbabb@charleston.k12.mo.us
Charleston R-I School District
311 E. Tom Brown St. / P.O. Box 39
Charleston, MO 63834
Charleston R-I School District Website: https://www.charlestonbluejays.org/apps/pages/employment/
We are Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.