Speech-Language Assistant

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Communication Assistants (3235.3) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (D235) 
• 2011 NOC: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (3237) 
• 2016 NOC: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (3237) 

Speech-language assistants work with people of all ages in various settings. Their duties vary. In general, they:

• conduct hearing, speech and language screenings
• run language therapy activities in private or group sessions and classes (based on goals and treatment plans developed by speech-language pathologists)
• work with clients and their caregivers (as assigned by a speech-language pathologist)
• make the materials used in therapy, classroom and home programs (such as communication boards)
• prepare activities (such as picture cards, workbooks, games)
• help with scheduling and room setup for assessments and treatments
• keep records of client progress and performance during therapy sessions
• compile statistics about daily activities
• do clerical tasks (such as filing, photocopying and booking appointments)
• order and maintain supplies and equipment
• meet with and report to the speech-language pathologists
• help with public education events.

Speech-language assistants tend to work standard weekday hours. They often work in schools but may also work in health facilities and clinics. They may need to travel to various locations and transport heavy equipment or supplies.

Speech-language assistants need to possess:

• the ability to observe and listen well
• the ability to be well organized
• the ability to manage time well
• the ability to be flexible and adaptable
• good interpersonal skills
• strong speaking and writing skills
• good English pronunciation
• patience
• creativity
• the ability to take direction and follow treatment programs (set out by speech-language pathologists)
• the ability to work on their own and as part of a team.

They should enjoy:

• compiling information about client progress
• teaching clients ways to improve speaking skills
• handling the materials used in therapy.

Speech-language assistants work in:

• schools, daycare centres and preschool programs
• regional and local health centres, hospitals and rehab centres
• private practices (run by speech-language pathologists).

Without further education, opportunities to advance are limited.

Speech-language assistants are part of the 2011 National Occupational Classification 3237: Other technical 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 [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

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

In Alberta, the D235: Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.1% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 112 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.