Speech-Language Assistant

Speech-language assistants work with people of all ages and in a variety of settings. Their duties therefore vary from one position to another but, in general, they:

• conduct articulation and language therapy activities that are based on goals and treatment plans developed by speech-language pathologists for individual clients or group therapy sessions and in-class sessions
• conduct hearing, speech and language screenings
• work directly with clients and their caregivers as assigned by a speech-language pathologist
• make materials used in therapy, classroom and home programs (for example, communication boards)
• prepare activities (for example, gather picture cards, workbooks, games)
• assist with scheduling and room set-up for assessments and treatments
• keep records about client progress and performance during therapy sessions
• compile statistics about daily activities
• perform clerical tasks such as filing, photocopying, laminating and scheduling appointments 
• order, maintain and inventory supplies and equipment
• regularly meet with and report to supervising speech-language pathologists
• assist with public education events.

Speech-language assistants usually work standard weekday hours, often in school settings. They may be required to travel to various locations and transport heavy equipment or supplies.

Speech-language assistants need the following characteristics:

• good observation and listening skills
• good organizational and time management skills 
• flexibility and adaptability
• good interpersonal skills
• strong oral and written communication skills
• good English pronunciation
• patience
• creativity
• ability to take direction and follow treatment programs set out by speech-language pathologists
• ability to work independently and as part of a team.

They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to compiling information about client progress, instructing clients about ways to improve communication skills, and handling the equipment and materials used in therapy.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Speech-language assistants are employed in:

• schools, day care centres and preschool programs 
• regional and community health centres, hospitals and rehabilitation centres
• the private practices of speech-language pathologists.

Without further education, advancement opportunities are limited.

Speech-language assistants are part of the 2011 National Occupational Classification 3237: Other Ttchnical occupations in therapy and assessment. In Alberta, 87% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)
• Retail Trade (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 3,600 Albertans are employed in the Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.1% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 112 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As speech-language assistants form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for speech-language assistants.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada website: www.sac-oac.ca

Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) website: www.acslpa.ab.ca

Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC) website: www.cdaac.ca

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (ThAAA) website: www.thaaa.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.