Entry Level Speech Language Paraprofessional Jobs

Bargaining Unit: TOTEM
Work Year: 9 months
Work Day: 7.0 hours per day
FTE: Full time, .875 FTE
Salary: T-10, $20.94 to $21.83 per hour, DOE
Job Summary
The Paraprofessional Special Education Speech provides support to both speech-language pathologists and students by preparing therapy materials, collecting and recording data, completing routine clerical tasks, and facilitating/supporting multiple modes of therapy delivery, including tele-therapy. The position has a retirement association with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Job Requirements
The following are required:

1. A high school diploma or equivalent, or current enrollment in a GED program.
2. Must meet paraprofessional requirements for the state of Alaska through one of the following methods: 48 college semester credits from a regionally accredited institution, OR a passing score of 459 or greater on the ETS Paraprofessional Assessment exam, OR passing the WorkKeys by ACT assessment, OR passing the ASD provided Master Teacher paraprofessional training.
3. Basic literacy skills in reading, writing, and math.
4. Basic skills using technology, including online meeting platforms.
5. Excellent communication and customer service skills.
6. Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with staff, parents, students, administrators, and the public.
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality and inspire confidence and cooperation of staff, parents, students, administrators, and the public.
8. Ability to organize and carry out activities with students independently, under supervision of a speech-language pathologist.
9. Ability to independently follow a schedule.

The following are preferred:

1. Knowledge of first aid.
2. An undergraduate degree in speech and hearing sciences.
3. Knowledge of online programs or other computer software used for creating visual supports and overlays for communication devices.
4. Experience working with children ages 3 through 21.
5. Experience working with children with disabilities, particularly speech-language disabilities.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with educational professionals, other school staff, and parents.
7. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions provided in written, oral, or schedule formats.
8. Ability to apply new knowledge to the therapy program.
9. Ability to independently solve problems in an educational setting.
10. Ability to organize and carry out activities with students independently, under supervision of a speech-language pathologist.
11. Ability to work with people of all ages and abilities in a school setting.

Essential Job Functions

1. Prepares instructional materials at the direction of the speech-language pathologist.
2. Implements and integrates technology into speech-language sessions.
3. Manages student behavior during therapy.
4. Assists in developing a daily/weekly schedules and adheres to a schedule that may include traveling between schools.
5. Under the direction of the speech-language pathologist, works individually, in small groups, or in the classroom with students receiving speech-language services.
6. Assists with student hygiene, which may include toileting and/or diapering, and performs other related duties as assigned.
7. Collects and records data on therapy programs.

Physical /Mental Demands
The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment.
The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings.
While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Additional Job Information
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
Anchorage School District (ASD) employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This also includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, co-workers, and the public; as well as have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents.
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, this is in addition to the background check conducted through the certification process with the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
This position may be required to work in ASD facilities on the military installations (JBER). Please visit the government REAL ID website for additional information.
The Anchorage School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.