Speech Language Pathologist-Assistant

Thrive with Autism / Thrive Center for Success

Position location:  Greater Houston region (Magnolia / The Woodlands, Texas)

The Organization

In Fall 2022, Thrive with Autism opened its first groundbreaking public school with the goal of dramatically improving education for children on the autism spectrum.  Thrive Center for Success is the first charter school in the state of Texas dedicated to serving a special-needs population.  Founded in 2019, Thrive with Autism’s mission and vision have brought hope to families who desperately want better educational options for their children on the autism spectrum.  This fall Thrive will serve 132 students Kindergarten through 6^th grade, adding a grade level each year to eventually serve up to 12th grade. Thrive plans to open a second campus in central Houston soon.

The Role

Thrive Center for Success seeks a skilled Speech Language Pathologist-Assistant (SLP-A) with a passion and drive to serve students with autism and other developmental disabilities in an innovative and transformative way.   The SPL-A is responsible for supporting the Speech Language Pathologist in supplementing, enhancing, and extending speech/language therapy services to Thrive students. The SPL-A will complete a variety of tasks such as direct activities with students designed to develop pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication.  The SPL-A serves students who have identified speech and language disorders.  

Thrive utilizes the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) model of instruction, and all staff members are expected to learn this framework and identify its connection to their work. For more on CABAS, visit cabasschools.org. The SLP-A reports to the Speech Language Pathologist but may get supervisory feedback from other Thrive team members, including Thrive’s Director of Special Education and Principal.    

Responsibilities

• Conducts speech and language screenings, without interpretation, and using screen protocols developed by the supervising Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Provides direct services in areas of articulation, language, voice, and fluency to students under the supervision of the SLP
• Develops and follows appropriate schedule to implement documented IEP plans or protocols
• Supports usage of Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices with students and teachers
• Documents student progress toward meeting established objectives, and reports the information to the SLP
• Assists the SLP during assessments, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties

• Develops, prepares, and provides therapy materials and/or equipment for use in the classroom and therapy activities to ensure progress towards student IEP goals
• Adapts or modifies instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities for teacher use in the classroom
• Assists in maintaining student records, tallying data, preparing charts, records, graphs, and reports
• Assists in organizing classroom activities such as displaying educational materials, arranging furniture to facilitate instructional requirements, and create and orderly and clean learning environment
• Comply with established behavior intervention plans

• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
• Interact successfully with parents, students, supervisor, school staff, and community agency representatives

• Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge, and support of Thrive Center for Success’ mission, values, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, Employee Handbook expectations and code of ethical behavior as stated in the Handbook
• Ensures compliance with all state and federal laws, local board policies, administrative guidelines, and the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and (combined) serves as appropriate role model for Thrive Center for Success’ colleagues, students, staff, and parents

Qualifications

Required:

• Able to lift 50 pounds, run 100 yards, drop/lift to one knee, go up/downstairs, and pass all verbal/physical competencies to be a fully certified Safety Care Specialist  
• Associate’s degree in and/or graduation from a Speech-Language Pathology assistant certificate program OR bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders with a minimum of 70 hours field work/clinical experience from a Board-approved program

• Current registration as an SLP-A with the State of Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the time of appointment; must maintain current registration throughout employment in this classification.
• Willingness to work on some evenings or other non-standard business hours, as required by the needs of the school and in accordance with the duties outlined above

Highly Preferred:

• At least (1) year of school-based experience in a relevant role
• Fluency in Spanish  

• Applied Behavior Analysis knowledge, training, and experience
• Experience working with students with autism
• Experience with the CABAS educational model for students with autism

Thrive’s Commitment to Diversity

Thrive with Autism is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Thrive with Autism is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for the SLP-A position begins at $48,000 and increases based on years of relevant experience.

Thrive offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental benefits, and time off via school holidays, summer break, and PTO. Thrive is a participant in the Teacher’s Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

To Apply:  Visit www.thrivesuccess.org/jobs

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