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Description

JOB TITLE: Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLP-A)

DIVISION: Academy

REPORTS TO: Lead Therapist  

SUPERVISES: None 

EXEMPTION STATUS:  Non-Exempt 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) supports the delivery of communication and language services within the BHA Academy under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Guided by BHA Academy’s Core Values—Compassion with Purpose, Structure Builds Safety, Professionalism in Every Moment, Positivity Drives Progress, Education is Empowerment, Consistency Creates Change, Reunification is Our Mission, and Advocacy Through Action—the SLPA assists in implementing treatment plans, supporting AAC use, collecting data, conducting screenings, and reinforcing communication programming throughout the school day.

The SLPA collaborates with teachers, clinicians, and behavioral staff to generalize communication strategies across settings. The SLP-A does not design treatment plans or interpret evaluations but is responsible for accurate documentation, fidelity to treatment instructions, and maintaining high-quality support within scope of practice.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employees must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained

Therapists implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Completion of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) program or

Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology, or a related field.

• Meets Missouri requirements for SLP-A credentialing or registration, if applicable.
• Experience with students with disabilities, severe behaviors, sensory integration needs, and use of AAC or visual communication supports.
• Familiarity with AAC systems including PECS, high-tech devices, visual supports, and social communication interventions.
• Understanding of ABA principles and behavior management strategies preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral disorders (school experience strongly preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed therapy plans and direction from supervising SLP.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Organizational and time management proficiency.
• Emotional resilience and professionalism in high-pressure situations.
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, IEP processes, FBA/BIP development, and data-based decision-making
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data collection systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and ethical professionalism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compassion with Purpose

• Support students with patience, empathy, and high expectations, recognizing behavior as communication.
• Provide calm, regulated assistance during communication breakdowns, dysregulation, or crisis situations.
• Build rapport with students while upholding boundaries and therapeutic purpose.
• Reinforce communication strategies that increase independence and reduce frustration.

Structure Builds Safety

• Implement structured therapy activities as directed by the supervising SLP.
• Assist in creating communication-rich environments by preparing visuals, AAC materials, and structured routines.
• Follow established prompting hierarchies, reinforcement systems, and behavior plans.
• Keep materials, devices, and therapy spaces organized, safe, and accessible.
• Complete all documentation, data collection, and session notes accurately and on time.

Professionalism in Every Moment 

• Demonstrate ethical practice, confidentiality, and professional interactions at all times.
• Follow the supervising SLP’s treatment plans without modification, maintaining strict adherence to scope of practice.
• Accept and apply corrective feedback with professionalism.
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and required professional development.
• Collaborate respectfully with teachers, clinicians, administrators, and families.
• Maintain accurate documentation, session logs, data sheets, and required reporting.

Positivity Drives Progress

• Maintain an encouraging, optimistic presence during therapy and in the classroom.
• Support students and staff by modeling patience, positivity, and perseverance.
• Celebrate small wins and reinforce a positive, uplifting learning environment.
• Approach challenges with a solutions-focused mindset.

Education is Empowerment 

• Conduct speech, language, and hearing screenings under SLP direction (not evaluations).
• Implement therapy activities targeting expressive/receptive language, articulation, AAC use, social communication, feeding support (as appropriate), and functional communication.
• Collect and graph data on student performance, sharing information with the SLP for analysis.
• Provide AAC modeling, device programming assistance, and communication opportunities across the day.
• Prepare materials needed for therapy sessions, communication supports, and AAC tools.
• Assist teachers and paraprofessionals with implementing communication strategies, per SLP guidance.
• Support generalization of communication skills across settings.

Consistency Creates Change 

• Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and follow-through.
• Ensure fidelity to SLP-designed treatment plans and communication protocols.
• Provide reliable, consistent data collection that supports IEP compliance and team decision-making.
• Communicate daily observations, student progress, and concerns to the supervising SLP.

Reunification is Our Mission

• Support communication skill development that increases readiness for less restrictive school environments.
• Reinforce language and communication strategies that improve academic participation, social engagement, and independence.
• Assist the supervising SLP with providing data and observations that inform IEP reviews and transition planning.

Advocacy Through Action 

• Advocate for student communication needs by informing the SLP of barriers, device issues, or observed changes in skill performance.
• Support staff and families by explaining (within scope) how to use AAC systems and communication supports consistently across settings.
• Serve as a resource for visual supports, communication reinforcement strategies, and AAC tools, under SLP direction.

Other Duties 

• Support crisis-response and behavioral intervention efforts as assigned.
• Prepare therapy materials, visuals, and AAC supports as assigned.
• Complete all documentation, billing, and reporting requirements in accordance with BHA and regulatory guidelines.
• Complete all expense reports and time reports on or before designated deadlines. 
• Uphold BHA’s mission and values in all work performed.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

FULL-TIME BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• OnDemand Pay (access your pay when you need it)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Additional $100 monthly wellness benefit after 90 days

Starting Pay: Our compensation is competitive within the market. The starting rate for this position begins at $35.00 per hour, with your final offer based on a combination of your education, relevant experience, and overall qualifications