Job Description

Starting Rate: $30.00-$35.00/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am-4pm

The Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) will create specific communication programs for students according to individualized education plan (IEP) goals. The SLPA will be responsible for working directly with all students, monitoring progress of communication programs, and collaborating with head teachers and classroom staff to implement IEP objectives. The SLPA will also assist the SLP in conducting communication assessments as well as presenting at IEP and three-year evaluation meetings.

The Darnell School is a program of Advocates and is a 221-day-per-year ABA school program serving students ages 9-22 with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or behavioral challenges. Our mission is to teach, support and empower people with disabilities to live meaningful lives based on their needs and choices. We offer spacious classrooms with ample opportunity for community skill-building, relationship development and recreation.

Learn more about The Darnell School here: https://darnellschool.org/

Advocates promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement. We are a close-knit community that values ideas and contributions from staff.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Small, tight-knit program with only four classrooms
• Paid holidays, school vacations, and flex time
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision plans
• 401(k) with employer match
• Free BCBA supervision for those pursuing certification
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support
• Exclusive discounts with partner organizations (BJ’s, AAA, and more)
• We will support your education and career development by providing you with the resources needed to advance

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's Degree

Responsibilities

• Weekly meeting with Speech and Language Pathologist.
• Collaborate with Head Teachers, Behavior Specialist, and others consutlants
• Work directly with students with high communication needs across all four classrooms
• Attend and participate in all four classrooms' weekly staff meetings
• Write procedure sheets for students’ communication programs.
• Set up/edit student AAC devices (i.e. Proloquo, Touchchat, Gotalknow, PECs et.c)
• Create and deliver trainings to staff around communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology, Communication Disorders, or related field.
• Massachusetts SLPA license.
• Experience working with students with significant communication deficits.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with AAC devices.
• Experience with ASL preferred.
• Sensitivity to the needs of the individuals we support
• Valid driver’s license and use of a reliable vehicle

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.