Employment Opportunity: Part-time/Full-Time Employee, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) for Bridge to Life

Position Description 

At Bridge to Life, an Affiliate of The Bridge School, the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) will provide a vital role in the delivery of direct services to clients across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood. The SLPA’s scope of work includes direct intervention, collaboration, training, and resource development under the supervision of the SLP team. Bridge to Life is an interdisciplinary team with a client-centered, collaborative approach to serving clients with a wide range of communication, cognitive, and developmental diagnoses who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The SLPA will work collaboratively with teams that may include family members, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, special educators, and other specialists to support each client’s communication participation goals across all environments. The Employee will be expected to represent the Bridge Organization’s ethos for high standards of evidence based cutting-edge practice. 

This is a part-time or full-time employee position. The SLPA will report directly to the Supervising Speech-Language Pathologist and Director of Bridge to Life. 

Essential Skills and Responsibilities 

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Implement evidence-based treatment plans as developed and directed by the supervising SLP 
• Support clients in developing skills and competence to use a range of AAC systems across a variety of communication functions (requesting, commenting, questioning, social interaction) 
• Facilitate generalization of communication skills across settings, activities, and communication partners 
• Conduct sessions in individual, group, and/or teletherapy formats as assigned 
• Assist the supervising SLP with AAC device trials, feature matching, and system setup under direction 
• Program and maintain SGDs (e.g., adding vocabulary, creating pages, troubleshooting device issues) as directed 
• Prepare low-tech communication supports such as core boards, activity boards, and visual schedules 
• Train significant communication partners in the use and interpretation of communication behaviors, techniques, and strategies that enable effective communication 
• Consistently demonstrate professional communication skills, fostering rapport and establishing relationships built on trust with clients, families and their teams 
• Engage in effective interdisciplinary collaboration, contributing to shared decision-making and coordinated care through open communication and mutual respect among team members 
• Communicate observations and session data effectively with the supervising SLP and other team members 
• Co-treat with Vision Specialist, Assistive Technologists and other disciplines as appropriate to address access, positioning, and seating as it relates to AAC use 
• Collect and accurately record session data related to client AAC use, communication goals, and progress 
• Complete accurate session notes in a timely manner, under SLP review 

Program and Organizational Support 

• Coordinate with the Associate Director of Operations regarding scheduling, billing procedures, and related activities as required 
• Participates in the ongoing information dissemination of Bridge to Life materials, resources and strategies 
• Promotes the Bridge to Life program by disseminating information and identifying and recruiting appropriate clients 

Research and Professional Development 

• Participates in ongoing professional development opportunities 
• Collaborates with the research team, as required, to support data collection, analysis and the integration of evidence-based practices 
• Complete required continuing education and state-mandated supervision hours 
• Maintain active SLPA registration/licensure in good standing per state requirements 
• Adhere to ASHA’s Code of Ethics for SLPAs and all applicable scope of practice guidelines 
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA requirements 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Possession of associate or bachelor’s degree in a speech-language pathology assistant program accredited by ASHA or a state-approved equivalent 
• Active California Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant  
• ASHA SLPA Certification (C-SLPA) preferred  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Demonstrated knowledge of AAC systems and facilitation strategies  
• Knowledge of augmentative/alternative communication principles, best practices, strategies, and technology applications currently available in the field 
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills 
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and receive and implement supervisory feedback 
• Ability to elicit the cooperation of others and work collaboratively as an effective team member 
• Ability to effectively train and share knowledge constructively with clients, their family, other professionals, team members and others 
• Ability to achieve the professional confidence of others and assimilate information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions 
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions 
• Ability to operate assigned equipment, including computers, AAC tools and technologies and other assistive technologies 
• Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities 

Supervision 

This position operates within a structured supervision model in compliance with ASHA guidelines and California state regulations. The SLPA may not independently evaluate clients, diagnose disorders, write treatment plans, interpret results, or represent themselves as an SLP. 

• Direct supervision will be provided consistent with the SLPA’s skills and experience, the needs of the clients, and all applicable California state laws 
• The supervising SLP will review all clinical documentation prior to finalization 
• Regular supervision meetings will be scheduled to review caseload, progress, and professional development 
• The SLPA will maintain a supervision log per state and ASHA requirements 

Working Conditions 

Work in an office, classroom/school environment, client’s homes and community environments overseeing the physical, social, learning, participation and communication needs of individuals with significant communication and physical disabilities.  

This job description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed, or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor’s instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors. 

If you have questions, would like additional information, or are interested in the position, please email us at btl@bridgeschool.org.