Position Summary
The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) supports the delivery of speech-language services to students with autism and other developmental or communication needs. Working under the direction and supervision of a Massachusetts-licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), the SLPA implements assigned treatment activities, collects and records data, prepares materials, and collaborates with educational, clinical, nursing, and program teams to promote functional communication across settings. The SLPA performs only those services permitted by applicable law, regulation, professional standards, and the supervising SLP.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Implement speech-language treatment activities and established intervention plans as directed by the supervising SLP.
· Provide individual and small-group services within the scope of SLPA practice and the student’s IEP, service plan, or other approved program documentation.
· Use evidence-informed strategies selected by the supervising SLP to support receptive, expressive, pragmatic, social, and augmentative or alternative communication skills.
· Collect accurate session data; document services, student responses, progress, and relevant observations in required systems and within established timelines.
· Prepare, organize, clean, and maintain therapy materials, visual supports, communication devices, and treatment spaces.
· Support consistent implementation and appropriate use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems as trained and directed by the SLP.
· Communicate student performance, concerns, changes, and other clinically relevant information promptly to the supervising SLP.
· Participate in team meetings, case consultations, staff trainings, and collaborative planning when requested, while deferring clinical interpretation and recommendations to the supervising SLP.
· Collaborate professionally with teachers, BCBAs, behavior instructors, nurses, occupational and physical therapy staff, families, and other team members within the SLPA’s authorized role.
· Promote generalization of communication skills across classrooms, vocational/community activities, and other CABI or CABI CORE environments as directed.
· Follow student behavior support plans, safety protocols, infection-control practices, confidentiality requirements, and all CABI policies and procedures.
· Participate in required orientation, professional development, safety, and crisis-prevention training, and maintain all required credentials.
· Perform other related duties within the lawful SLPA scope of practice as assigned by the supervising SLP or CABI leadership.
Scope-of-Practice Boundaries
· The SLPA works under required SLP supervision and does not independently:
· Conduct, select, or interpret diagnostic evaluations or screening results; diagnose communication or swallowing disorders.
· Develop, modify, or discontinue treatment plans, goals, eligibility recommendations, or clinical services.
· Represent themself as a Speech-Language Pathologist or provide services without required supervision.
· Sign clinical documents or make referrals, prognostic statements, or independent clinical recommendations reserved for the supervising SLP.
· Provide counseling, disclose clinical information to families, or communicate evaluative conclusions except as specifically authorized and supervised.
· Perform any task prohibited by Massachusetts law, Board regulation, professional guidance, the supervising SLP, or CABI policy.
Required Qualifications
· Current Massachusetts license as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, or ability to obtain the license before independently performing SLPA duties.
· Education, clinical preparation, and supervised observation or fieldwork meeting current Massachusetts Board requirements.
· Ability to work only under the supervision of a qualified Massachusetts-licensed SLP and comply with the established supervision plan.
· Experience supporting children, adolescents, or young adults with autism, developmental disabilities, or complex communication needs, or equivalent relevant training.
· Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including accurate data collection and timely documentation.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA, HIPAA when applicable, mandated-reporting obligations, and professional ethics.
· Successful completion of all required background checks, including CORI and fingerprinting, and any other employment clearances required by CABI or applicable law.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience in a private special-education school, ABA-based program, or multidisciplinary clinical setting.
· Experience with AAC systems, visual supports, functional communication training, and data-based instruction.
· Knowledge of IEP implementation and collaboration within an educational team.
· Current CPR/First Aid certification and Safety-Care or comparable crisis-prevention training.
Core Competencies
· Student-centered and compassionate practice
· Professional judgment and respect for role boundaries
· Reliability, flexibility, and responsiveness
· Clear communication and collaborative teamwork
· Accurate documentation and attention to detail
· Commitment to dignity, inclusion, safety, and continuous learning
Supervision and Professional Accountability
The SLPA will receive direct and indirect supervision from a qualified Massachusetts-licensed SLP in accordance with 260 CMR 10.00 and the supervision plan established for the assignment. The SLPA must participate in supervision, promptly seek guidance when a task or student need exceeds the SLPA role and maintain an active license and any required continuing education throughout employment.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
· Ability to move throughout classrooms, therapy areas, program spaces, and community or vocational settings during the workday.
· Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and transition between floor-level and seated activities as required by student programming, with or without reasonable accommodation.
· Ability to operate communication devices, computers, and standard educational or therapy materials.
· Ability to respond safely and promptly in a dynamic educational environment and follow trained emergency and behavior-support procedures.
· Regular exposure to students with varied sensory, behavioral, medical, and communication needs; use of required personal protective equipment when applicable.
· CABI will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. The specific physical demands of an assignment may vary based on student and program needs.
Employment Expectations
· Maintain regular and reliable attendance and arrive prepared for assigned services, supervision, meetings, and trainings.
· Maintain professional boundaries and communicate respectfully with students, families, colleagues, and outside providers.
· Comply with CABI policies, licensure requirements, ethical standards, student-specific plans, and all applicable federal and Massachusetts laws and regulations.
CABI is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination or retaliation and in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts law.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
