SLP-A The Helix School

About The Helix School

At The Helix School, we are dedicated to serving students with mild to moderate autism across the Bay Area, ranging in age from 5 to 22. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and developmental education through an evidence-based, integrated curriculum tailored to each student’s developmental level, sensory processing needs, and emotional regulation. Our team includes skilled educators, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, behavioral therapists, and mental health professionals. We also extend our services to benefit the Bay Area public school districts.

Our relationship-based approach incorporates a variety of learning modalities, including kinesthetic and experiential learning, sensory motor strategies, visuals, music, play, dance, drama, role play, and therapeutic group activities. We believe in addressing the “whole child,” recognizing that cognitive, language, social-emotional, and sensory motor systems must work in harmony for successful outcomes. We stay abreast of the latest best practices in education and clinical research and value collaborative relationships with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure a consistent and supportive environment both at school and at home. Our goal is to respect, appreciate, and encourage each child’s strengths, helping neurodiverse individuals achieve their highest potential in personal development, community building, and workplace relationships.

Position: Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Overview:

Under the guidance of a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), the Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) supports and enhances speech and language therapy services. This role involves working directly with students to develop pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control, vocalization, and communication using assistive technology. The SLPA will work with students who have speech and language disorders, which may be accompanied by other disabilities. This is a 10-month position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct speech and language screenings using established protocols, without interpretation.


• Provide direct assistance for speech and language therapy under the SLP’s supervision.


• Implement documented IEP plans or protocols and track student progress, reporting findings to the SLP.


• Assist the SLP during assessments by preparing materials, completing formal documentation, and performing clerical tasks.


• Prepare therapy materials and equipment for classroom and therapy activities.


• Modify instructional materials and equipment as needed based on student needs.


• Maintain student records, including data collection, charting, and report preparation.


• Organize classroom activities, ensuring an orderly and clean learning environment.


• Implement behavior management programs as designed by certified staff and report significant behavioral observations to the SLP.


• Attend weekly staff, clinical, and classroom team meetings.

Note: The SLPA is not authorized to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter IEP plans, or perform tasks without the SLP’s explicit approval.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree and/or completion of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant certificate program, OR a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders with at least 70 hours of fieldwork/clinical experience from a Board-approved program.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Current registration as a Speech-Language Assistant with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the time of appointment, with ongoing maintenance of registration throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Speech and language pathology equipment, materials, and procedures.


• Normal speech, language, and hearing development.


• Language and articulation disorders and their rehabilitation.


• Learning patterns and behavioral management techniques for children with special education needs.


• English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and basic math.


• Routine record keeping.

Ability to:

• Assist the SLP in implementing IEPs and managing therapy objectives.


• Effectively address and manage student behaviors.


• Communicate tactfully and effectively in both oral and written forms.


• Manage time efficiently and demonstrate professional conduct.


• Prepare and present materials effectively and maintain accurate progress documentation.


• Utilize various screening tools and manage related documentation.


• Develop and implement effective therapy sessions and classroom activities.


• Interact positively with parents, students, supervisors, school staff, and community representatives.


• Adapt lessons and strategies to meet students’ needs with guidance from the SLP.


• Monitor and adjust activities to ensure alignment with student IEP goals.

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and compassionate SLPA to our team to support our mission of fostering each student’s growth and success.