Summary

Support Staff | Student Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) | K-12 | Available: Fall 2024 | Closing: Open until filled

Description

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant 2024-25 School Year

The Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Public School is currently seeking an energetic Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) who is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of each student within our K-12 community. Situated in central Minnesota, our small school is conveniently located, being just an hour’s drive from St. Cloud, two hours from the Twin Cities, 30 minutes from Alexandria, and three hours from Duluth. Nestled amidst area lakes, parks, and boasting one of the last Drive-In Movie theaters in Minnesota, our school embraces a diverse community, including individuals of European, Mexican, Caribbean, and various other nationalities. Notably, fifty-two percent of our student population identifies as Hispanic, and we are proud to be home to an active Amish population in Todd County, serving the communities of Grey Eagle, Burtrum, and Long Prairie.

Our district is committed to supporting students at every stage of their educational journey. Positive Behavior Interventions have been successfully implemented in both the elementary and secondary schools. Our staff includes a teaching coach and a data specialist, dedicated to enhancing individual teacher capabilities and providing additional support to our students. Furthermore, our robust English Language Learner program consistently exceeds state averages in achieving language goals for students. To extend learning beyond the traditional school day, we offer comprehensive after-school and summer school programming. We believe in more than just teaching; we are creating significant opportunities for our students.

In our district, we prioritize quality professional development and mentoring for our staff. Periodic staff development days offer essential training and work time between quarters. Equipped with one-to-one student devices, our dedicated team includes a technology coordinator, tech assistant, and part-time technology integrationist. Our comprehensive community and 21st-century education programs offer enrichment activities, classes, and opportunities for students both before and after school. We extend after-school and summer programming to all students in our district and collaborate with local mental health providers to provide additional support to students and adults alike. Valuing a holistic approach to education, we seek team members who share our commitment to teaching the whole child.

If you are eager to join our dynamic team and explore the opportunities central Minnesota has to offer, we invite you to review our detailed job description below.

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), to support the learning experience of students with special needs by providing speech and language therapy services, implementing district-approved curriculum, documenting student progress, addressing specific needs, and maintaining a safe learning environment.

Essential Functions

  • Provides direct and indirect speech therapy services as determined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and as directed by supervising SLP.
  • Conducts appropriate speech therapy screening, evaluation, and intervention services for students referred by school personnel and parents, following departmental and state guidelines.
  • Communicates effectively with district personnel, students, parents, and the supervising Speech Language Pathologist.
  • Collaborates with teachers, staff, outside therapy agencies, and parents regarding student performance.
  • Coordinates with the supervising Speech Language Pathologist to implement therapeutic materials and activities consistent with the student’s IEP.
  • Coordinates with the supervising Speech Language Pathologist to conduct assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures.
  • Participates in meetings and assists in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
  • Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations, and institutions as needed.
  • Will work with the supervising Speech Language Pathologist to acquire professional knowledge through seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, and maintain accurate record-keeping.
  • Encourages parental involvement in students’ education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.

Additional Duties

  • Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Speech Language Pathologist and other central office administrators.

Equipment

  • Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

  • Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

  • Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, and differentiated instruction.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
  • Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
  • Ability to organize and coordinate work effectively.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
  • Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

  • Works in standard office and school building environments.

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License

  • Certificate in Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)
  • Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

  • Associate’s degree or higher in a related field.

FLSA Status: Exempt