Background on Southbridge Public Schools

Southbridge Public Schools (SPS) serves approximately 2,200 students in five schools and employs nearly 330 educators and staff. In January 2016, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education designated SPS chronically underperforming (Level 5), placing the district in state receivership. The third district to be placed in the Commonwealth’s Level 5 accountability status, this is an exciting time of change and transformation in SPS.  In March 2016, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education appointed Dr. Jessica Huizenga as the Receiver for the district.  Dr. Huizenga and the Commissioner introduced a rigorous turnaround plan which will guide the district’s turnaround efforts for the next three years.

More information about the district’s turnaround efforts can be found here.

POSITION:  Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

REPORTS TO: Building Principal/Pupil Personnel Services Director

POSITION: Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant

REPORTS TO: Building Principal/Director of Student Services

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, school-based speech-language pathology assistants provide prevention and remediation services for students who exhibit difficulties in the areas of language, speech, voice, and fluency. These services are designed to help children meet their educational goals. Below are the major functions of the speech-language pathology assistant, who will aid the Speech and Language Pathologist employed in educational environments. .

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

To Assist the Speech and Language Pathologist in the following educational services and domains:

• Works cooperatively with school personnel to accomplish the goals and objectives of the local education agency.
• Coordinates speech-language services with student services provided by other school personnel.
• Collaborates with school personnel, such as teachers and psychologists, to best meet the needs of all students.
• Maintains records of the speech-language program and prepares periodic reports as required.
• Keeps data for program planning and decision making for students.
• Completes IEP progress reports under the supervision of the Speech Pathologist
• Safeguards confidentiality of student records.
• Adheres to established rules, regulations, laws and appropriate ethical standards.
• Provides services which hold the well-being of each student paramount.
• Guards against conflicts of professional interest.
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state and local rules, regulations and laws.
• Complies with established lines of authority within the parameters of professional standards.

   language development.

• Completes procedural documentation appropriately.
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of statewide testing procedures.
• Abides by professional code of ethics.
• Manages time efficiently.
• Engages in continuing education and professional growth activities related to speech-language-hearing and education.
• Participates in professional meetings, symposia and workshops directly related to the speech-language-hearing profession.

 
Required Licensure:  Requires valid and current MA license as a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant.