Topeka Public Schools USD 501

Speech-Language Paraprofessional III (SPED)

Title: Paraprofessional III (Speech-Language)

Reports to: Certified Faculty/Administrator

Position Purpose: To ensure the successful learning of exceptional students by providing and facilitating quality support to programs and personnel

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Possess 48 hours of college credit or pass the equivalency exams.
• Skills in the use of computers
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to successfully accomplish/complete the annual professional development training
• Conscientiously accept and follow directions
• Adapt to a variety of situations
• Work with a variety of professionals
• Fundamental understanding of special education students

Position Requirements:

• Responsibility requiring a level of independent action and judgement significantly greater than other positions
• Level of training such that loss of the person in the position would represent a difficult asset to replace
• Participate in ongoing  training regarding speech-language development, how to target goals and objectives, taking data, and speech-language therapy techniques

Paraprofessional Requirements:

• Training above the 20 hour minimum level
• Training in a specific area
• Permanent employee status

Responsibilities may include:

• Assist the SLPs with daily instruction
• Assist the students in achieving their individual objectives
• Assist the students to and from the speech room within the building
• Administer SLP directed therapy to students individually or in small groups
• Travel within the district
• Clerical functions
• Collect and record therapy session data
• Communicate effectively with students and staff
• Other duties as assigned

Terms of Employment: 

9 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education

Evaluation:

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board policy on evaluation of Support Service Personnel.

Significant Associations:

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.