SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationship with students, families, staff and community members.
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Comments: This position will start with the 2024/2025 school year.

Summary:

The job of Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant is done for the purpose/s of providing speech and language instructional assistance to students; providing general support to the certified staff; maintaining equipment and therapy materials; screening speech and language skills of students; creating therapy materials; and maintaining documents and related records.

Essential Duties:

• Provides speech and language instruction, under the direction of certificated staff, for the purpose of improving articulation and language development of students.
• Assist the Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) with instructional activities for students by tutoring students in prescribed learning activities and instructing students individually and in small groups;
• Teach language expressive skills to students in various educational settings;
• Work with a variety of challenging disabilities;
• Assist with assigned therapy programs to provide progress toward student IEP plans under direction of the SLP;
• Work in conjunction with the SLP, teacher and other support staff, including parents and guardians, to assess student needs and develop creative ways to implement an instructional program to meet their needs;
• Help determine “next steps” in a comprehensive program including communication options;
• Collaborate with team members with assessment focused on physical resources, academic and computer skills, level of student independence and use of assistive technology for communication and access;
• Assist with annual hearing screening activities.
• Creates instructional materials and equipment for the purpose of providing instructional support to the therapy program and for meeting student learning needs.
• Create communication boards for non-verbal or assigned students;
• Set up software and hardware for students such as Boardmaker, Speaking Dynamically, Intellekeys and Write out Loud;
• Program augmentative communication boards such as Dynovox, Wolf and McCaw;
• Develop communication books and situation cards for non-verbal or assigned students;
• Provide guidance and motivation to students through developed materials;
• Create posters and charts, classroom therapy materials and items in support of classroom projects.
• Utilize a variety of equipment for the purpose of supporting the instructional process.
• Operate a variety of equipment and utilize a variety of tools to assist with the instructional program;
• Develop and modify the materials and equipment for student use to help students master skills;
• Make modifications to environmental barriers for students for inclusion of augmentative devises, such as PEC system and communication picture choices;
• Work with various switches, pointers, interfaces, trackballs and joysticks in assisting students.
• Maintains documents and records for the purpose of organizing program materials and ensuring proper documentation of instructional processes.
• Attends meetings and in-services as required for the purpose of exchanging information pertinent to the program needs and improving the employee’s knowledge and skills.

Responsibilities:

• Working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods;
• Leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others;
• Operating within a defined budget.
• Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions.
• There is some opportunity to effect the District’s services.

Competencies:

Teamwork – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes appropriate feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests;

Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; conserves organizational resources;

Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of computer operating systems;

Customer Service – Maintains professional demeanor when dealing with difficult or emotional situations; responds promptly to staff, student and public needs; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance;

Mathematical Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals;

Interpersonal Skills – Keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment;

Oral and Written Communication – Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings; read and comprehend written and verbal instructions; writes clearly and informatively;

Professionalism – Approaches other in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments;

Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality;

Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly;

Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; arrives at meetings and appointments on time;

Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; meets commitments; follows policies and procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The environmental factors described here are representative of those that may be present in the work place while the employee performs the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, grasp or feel; reach with hands and arms; push and pull, and talk, hear and smell. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crawl, or crouch. Employee may encounter prolonged sitting and/or standing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Education:

• Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in job related area;

Continuing Education/Training:

• Must maintain license/certification required for position as noted in job description.

Experience:

• Job related experience within specialized field is required.

Certificates and Licenses:

• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Associate degree from an approved two-year school with course work in child development or speech and language development
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License required (must be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position, including possessing and maintaining a valid license and automobile insurance, when using a personal vehicle for District business).

Clearances:

• Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint Background Clearance.

Other Requirements:

• Completed online application (with supporting documents)

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, you may review the individual collective bargaining agreements and SEBB 2023 School Employee Enrollment Guide which are located on our website SK Staff Resources or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at (360) 874-7028 or payrollstaff@skschools.org.

Application Procedure:  Complete the online application at www.skschools.org and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application. 

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators. 

PRINCIPALS AND HIRING ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETE AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting.  Your online application and required District Testing (if applicable-see job posting when applying) must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874-7074 or skjobs@skschools.org.

The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources 
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
sarett@skschools.org

Section 504 Coordinator:
Tiffany Buckley,
Assistant Director of Health Services
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-443-3763,
buckley@skschools.org

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Dr. Tom Edwards,
Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
edwards@skschools.org

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities.  For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at (360) 874-7050.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.