Arts in Action

 Speech Pathologist Assistant Job Description

ABOUT US

Arts in Action Community Charter School opened in Fall 2011 with grades K-5. The elementary program aims to provide a rigorous academic foundation while developing the whole child through a rich arts program, a daily socio-emotional learning component, and modeling advocacy through social justice initiatives.  

Arts in Action Community Middle School opened in Fall 2016 and serves grades 6-8 students. We believe that all students deserve access to the arts. We believe that instruction should be culturally relevant, inclusive and meet the diverse needs of all learners. We believe social justice is integral to education and aim to teach students how to advocate for themselves, our community, and the world.

For more information on the school's mission and vision, please see www.artsinactioncharter.org.

OUR MISSION: To empower, prepare, and inspire students in Los Angeles to achieve their highest potential and become active citizens who work toward building a more just, humane, and sustainable world by providing a democratic arts-enriched and nurturing school environment. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the Director of Accessible Education and the general supervision of a credentialed Speech Pathologist, the Spech Pathologist Assistant assist in providing instruction specific to the area of speech and language communication to students identified as having special needs; monitor the use of augmentative communication devices and systems; to provide student support through a variety of follow-up instructional and/or behavior modification activities; to provide medical/physical assistance to assigned students; to assist in training and behavior modification activities with children experiencing special learning and/or behavior needs; and to do other related work as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in providing speech therapy services according to Individual Education Program (IEP)
• Goals and treatment plans are developed by Speech/Language Pathologist/Therapist.
• Assists instructional personnel in the implementation of students' individualized educational plans.
• Tutors individuals and small groups of students with special learning needs to reinforce and follow up on learning and training activities.
• Assists with conducting speech-language screenings, using appropriate prescribed techniques and devices; confers with Speech/Language Pathologist/Therapist regarding student progress.
• Documents student progress toward IEP goals and objectives by preparing records, charts, and other documentation means.
• Performs various clerical support duties such as maintaining records and files and preparing reports for assigned students.
• Prepares therapy materials, such as picture cards and games, and equipment, such as augmentative communication devices, for use in the classroom.
• Adapts or modifies instructional materials as determined by student needs for teacher use in the classroom. Inspects, maintains, and operates augmentative communication devices and equipment.
• May perform routine First Aid and CPR, including aiding children experiencing seizures or respiratory disorders.
• Assists in behavior management through positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques.
• Maintains or assists in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive environment.
• May participate in parent conferences and pupil instruction and planning processes.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and in-service training to maintain knowledge of Speech and Language Pathology developments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid First Aide and CPR Certificate
• Registered as a Speech-Language Pathology assistant with the State of California, as well as meeting requirements to keep certificate current
• Current Speech and Language Pathology Assistants Certificate
• Demonstrated successful experience (six months of structured volunteer work is sufficient) working with elementary-age and middle-school students
• Demonstrated ability to work positively with staff and parents alike
• Bilingual (oral & written) Spanish/English is a plus!

PHYSICAL JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

The conditions herein represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. These physical standards are generic, and tasks may vary depending on the school or specialized site assignment. The information in this physical standards description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties as assigned.

• The physical ability to stand and or walk frequently.
• The physical ability to seldom carry up to 20 pounds (for mail delivery)
• The physical ability to participate in repetitive movements (typing, sitting down, filing paperwork) 
• The physical ability to occasionally crouch down or squat (assisting in first aid duties)
• This position works primarily indoors in indoor offices with some outdoor work (including eating and common area(s), auditorium, playground(s), restroom(s), stairs if applicable, and parking lot(s)) with the following possible exposures: dust; wind; sun; insects; bloodborne pathogens and biohazardous waste; variances in temperature (50 degrees to 120 degrees); variances in weather conditions (snow, rain, sleet, etc.); noise which can range from quiet to loud (over 600 students on campus at any given time); fast-paced work environment with possible stressful situations and needs to multitask; traffic congestion; playground projectiles such as baseballs, footballs, basketballs, etc.; intervening physically to stop conflicts between angry or emotionally upset students; and, dealing with students, parents, employees and the general public who may exhibit unpredictable or anti-social behavior.
• Employees in this position may have a higher level of exposure to illness or infection from students. 
• May be exposed to students who may ask inappropriate personal questions, display socially unacceptable behavior, display physically aggressive behavior, and insult your characteristics, including appearance, age, sex, and race.
• There is also frequent contact with staff and the public.
• Handle quick turnaround times, multiple deadlines, and prioritizing multiple tasks
• Handling high levels of stressful situations and responsibilities
• The ability to be present during the hours necessary  to complete the requirements of the position
• Consistent attendance
• Other responsibilities as needed

WAGE AND BENEFITS: This is a part-time, temporary, hourly position with a salary range of $35.00 - $48.00 per hour, depending on experience. It includes a competitive benefits package.

Schools in Action is non-sectarian in its programs, admissions

policies, employment practices, and all other operations shall not charge tuition and shall

not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability,

religion or sexual orientation, either actual or perceived.