Under the supervision of an assigned administrator, assists a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in providing speech and language instruction and therapy services for eligible students according to the Individual Education Program (IEP) goals; prepares instructional and testing materials for speech therapy sessions and intervention services; conducts data collection and documentation of student therapy services and reports student progress toward meeting of established goals and objectives; monitors sessions and enters data for session management and Medi-Cal billing; performs other general support duties in support of the speech language pathology program.

Provide direct therapy services to identified students in the area of speech and language communication, including articulation/phonology, cognition, motor speech, voice, fluency, craniofacial anomalies, hearing and child language, and in the training and use of augmentative and alternative communication; implement treatment plans for individual students in accordance with established IEP goals and objectives.

Conduct speech-language screening, without interpretation of results, using specified protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist; assist speech-language pathologist with assessment of students, including assisting with formal documentation and transcription samples.

Collaborate with speech-language pathologist staff to monitor and adjust individual treatment and therapy programs and activities in response to student progress; assist students in the use of alternative communication methods and various teaching aids with a variety of computerized speech and language communication devices both in session and in the classroom; document and report pupil progress toward meeting established goals and objectives.

Implement positive behavior management programs for student(s) as designed by certificated staff; observe and report significant student behavior, behavioral patterns and/or problems to the teacher/pathologist; assist in maintaining appropriate behavior in the classroom and between therapy activities; maintain a safe, clean and orderly environment; assure the health and safety of students by following district practices and procedures.

Maintain and operate augmentative communication devices and equipment; assist students in the use of appropriate communication technologies such as hearing aids and augmentative communication devices.

Prepare therapy materials and equipment for use in the classroom including therapy activities such as picture cards, worksheets, and audio equipment; adapt or modify instructional materials as determined by student needs for Speech and Language Pathologist use in the classroom; develop and prepare learning materials.

Coordinate therapy, meetings and activities on behalf of the Speech and Language Pathologist with a variety of individuals as directed.

Perform a variety of classroom associated clerical work, such as sorting, filing, record keeping, setting up and maintaining files, recording attendance, completing forms, etc. using a variety of office machines including personal computer, copier and telephone.

Participate in staff meetings, in-service training programs and parent conferences as assigned; attend conferences and workshops as appropriate to maintain current knowledge, skills and valid certification.

Perform related duties as assigned.

The Speech Language Pathology Assistant provides speech and language instruction and therapy to all eligible students under the direction of a licensed Speech and Language Therapist. This classification requires the incumbent to be a certified Speech Language Pathology Assistant. Occupational Therapy Assistant provides specific occupational therapy services to special education students under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist. This classification requires the incumbent to be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The Behavior Intervention Technician provides support to staff in the implementation of behavior intervention techniques and provides related guidance, training and support to staff for assigned students district-wide; although preferred, a state license is not required for this position.

Knowledge of: General practices, terminology, techniques involved in assisting with providing speech/language therapy to students with speech-language disorders. General remediation strategies involved in the enhancement of student speech, language and articulation skills. Applicable Education laws, codes, rules and regulations. Child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs. Correct usage of speech and language patterns, and oral communications, including basic linguistics. Normal speech, language, and hearing development. Basic instructional methods and techniques. Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct. Oral and written communication skills. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Recordkeeping and report writing techniques. Health and safety regulations. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to: Assist a Speech and Language Pathologist in reinforcing instruction and therapy to individual students with speech-language disorders. Monitor, assess and assist with adjusting individual treatment and therapy programs and activities in response to student progress and according to IEP goals and objectives. Remain current in techniques and technologies associated with the specialized learning needs in language and articulation development through continuous participation in workshops, in-services and other trainings. Provide instructional support and assistance to students having a broad range of learning, and/or physical disabilities. Motivate and encourage positive learning patterns and behavior of students. Adapt materials and/or manipulatives to promote the specialized learning process of students. Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward special education students. Perform clerical duties related to classroom and/or program activities. Operation of standard office equipment and a computer, including assigned software. Maintain up-to-date licenses and certifications. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Understand and work within scope of authority. Work independently and use good judgement in maintaining confidentially and sensitive information.

Essential Physical Activities and Work Environment: Sufficient stamina to stand, walk, sit, kneel, squat, bend, and reach on a daily basis to perform various activities associated with therapy; sufficient visual acuity to read text in a wide variety of typed/written formats and monitor student activities; hearing sufficient to understand normal conversations; clarity of speech sufficient to give and receive instructions; sufficient strength to lift, move, position and/or carry physically disabled or aggressive students with or without assistance weighing up to 50 lbs. and adjust, push or pull various equipment; sufficient dexterity of fingers and hands to operate a variety of office equipment, write and grasp, push and pull various light objects and equipment; sufficient mobility to visit classrooms and other locations on campus and to get into a vehicle and travel to various district locations. Work is performed in indoor environments but the necessity to go to different locations involves some exposure to the outdoor elements. This job generally requires 55% sitting, 15% walking, and 30% standing.

Typical Background: Any combination equivalent to: associate’s degree in a related field and a certificate of completion of a Speech/Language Pathology Assistant program or bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology or communication disorders and six months experience working with individuals in an educational or learning environment, preferably individuals with speech and language disabilities.

Licenses and/or Certificates: Valid California State license as Speech-Language Pathology Assistant by the California Speech Language and Audiology Board. Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and the use of personal automobile with appropriate insurance limits. Possession of current certificate of proficiency in CPR and first aid, or a certificate in Basic Life Support, Healthcare Providers (BLS) is desirable.

Qualifications: In order to be considered qualified for a vacancy in this classification, a candidate must possess the required background and successfully demonstrate such background, knowledge, skills and abilities through an examination process.

Established April 2021

Approved by Personnel Commission on 4/22/2021