Job Description:
Phoenix Union High School District is hiring Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) for the 2026-2027 school year. The SLPA postion typically will work at one campus with other SLP and/or SLPA.
If you would like to learn more, please contact Lauren Tauscher at 602-764-1124, or go to the "Careers" page at www.phoenixunion.org.
SUMMARY:
The Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) is responsible for providing an appropriate program of therapy for youth with communication disorders. The SLPA will be responsible to the Director or Designee and to the assigned/supervising Speech Language Pathologist (SLP).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) may conduct the following tasks under the supervision of a licensed master’s level Speech Language Pathologist and according to guidelines set by the state of Arizona.
1. Provides direct therapy for students identified by the supervising speech-language pathologist, following written therapy plans, individualized education programs, individual support plans, or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
2. Conducts speech and language screenings without interpretation, using screening protocols specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
3. Documents student progress toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan and Individualized Education Program (IEP) without interpretation of the findings and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist.
4. Assists with informal documentation during a therapy session by collecting and tallying data as directed by the speech-language pathologist, preparing materials, and assisting with other clerical duties as specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
5. Acts as a second-language interpreter during assessments. (if appropriate)
6. Schedules activities and prepares records, graphs, or other displays of data.
7. Performs checks and maintenance of equipment.
8. Collaborates with the supervising speech-language pathologist in establishing appropriate therapy goals.
9. Assists with clerical duties and departmental operations such as scheduling activities as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
10. Participates with the supervising speech-language pathologist in research projects, public relations programs, and in-service trainings.
11. Participates in parent conferences/IEP meetings when a speech-language pathologist is present.
12. Signs and initials treatment/therapy notes for review and co-signature by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
13. Maintains coordination between general curriculum areas and therapy activities, including preparation of materials for teachers and students when necessary.
14. Maintains accurate student records and keeps information secure and confidential.
15. Effectively utilizes district technologies appropriate to the position and assumes responsibility for attending district training needed to successfully perform designated responsibilities as directed by supervisor.
16. Other duties as assigned.
The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
· Possess a bachelor’s degree.
· Have experience in working with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
· Have an awareness of student needs, i.e. at-risk, ethnic, limited English proficient, exceptional.
· Demonstrates knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of special services activities and related documents that conform to federal, state, and district guidelines.
· Experience in training staff to implement services and paperwork to conform to federal, state, and district guidelines.
License and Certification Requirements:
· Have a current certification in Special Education, Hearing Impaired K-12
· Additional certifications, such as certification in American Sign Language (ASL), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or other related, are beneficial.
IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ABILITIES
· Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county, city, and district statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
· Committed to working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
· Ability to work with other professionals collaboratively to ensure timeframes are met.
· Ability to identify effective accommodations, modifications, and behavioral support needs. Then, work to collaboratively implement them in the classroom, across the campus, and in the community.
· Ability to collaborate with others and advocate the need for best practices to support student learning including the ability to manage and support instructional aides.
· Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity to the unique needs and experiences of students from diverse backgrounds, particularly regarding the Deaf/deaf community.
· Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the public and others having business with the school district.
· Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
· Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office and classroom environment.
WHY WORK AT PXU
The Phoenix Union High School District is one of the state’s largest employers. Our 4,000 education professionals are committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students while enjoying an inspiring work environment.
· Highly Competitive Pay
· Comprehensive Employee Benefits
· Participation in Arizona State Retirement System
· Education Loan Forgiveness (If eligible)
· Vacation and Personal Leave Plans (for eligible positions)
· Paid Winter and Spring Breaks