Director, Assistant Certification Program

A. General Description:

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership in the development and administration of ASHA’s Assistant Certification Program.  In conjunction with the Chief Certification Officer, the Director, Assistant Certification Program position ensures that assistant certification program applicants, certificate holders, volunteers, and stakeholders receive accurate, timely support regarding the assistant certification program. The position also assists in the management of Assistant, Audiology, and SLP certification applications, forms, and certification program activities in accordance to certification policies and procedures.

B. Responsibilities:

1. Develop, refine, and communicate the eligibility and renewal requirements, and operational policies and procedures for the assistant certification programs to internal and external stakeholders,
2. Collaborate with staff and vendors to ensure successful training program, exam, and maintenance development, administration and communication of the assistant certification program, 
3. Liaise with other departments to build and refine communications and products/services for certified assistants and related stakeholders,
4. Manage vendors to ensure compliance with contracts and certification/examination best practices,
5. Volunteer recruitment and management,
6. Process applications for certification as needed, and
7. Other responsibilities as requested.

C. Contacts:

To accomplish responsibilities listed above, the incumbent has contact with:

1. External: Students, applicants, certificants, university program directors and faculty, university registrars, clinical supervisors, employers, state licensure board representatives, members of the Council for Clinical Certification, and the public
2. Internal: ASHA National Office staff in the areas of Accounting, Action Center, Information Systems, Continuing Education, Membership, Ethics, Accreditation, Professional Practices, Governmental Affairs, NSSLHA, and Professional Practices

D. Freedom to Act:

The Director, Assistant Certification Program is required to use independent judgment to determine when the assistant certification program policies and procedures are being followed and must then escalate an issue outside of the normal application process to Certification staff, Certification leadership, or volunteer leaders, as appropriate. Independent judgment and problem-solving skills must be used in the resolution of complaints from members, applicants, students, program faculty, and the public. Latitude is given to permit the setting of priorities in accomplishing some daily work assignments. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure consistent adherence to procedures, approaches, and methodologies and timely and accurate processing. Guidance is provided for unusually difficult situations or problems.

E. Qualifications – Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

Knowledge and skills typically acquired through:

• Baccalaureate degree 
• Previous experience with certification program development and administration
• Previous experience with healthcare associations is preferred.

Scope and depth of technical skills/knowledge:

• Demonstrated ability to accurately and speedily enter data in a database.
• Experience with Windows and Microsoft Word; demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Excel preferred.

Scope and depth of nontechnical skills/knowledge:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-directed, organized, attentive to detail, goal-oriented, willing to accept responsibility, cooperative, with high integrity.
• Able to work under pressure and be adaptable to change.
• Able to get along well with others and to maintain a positive attitude.
• Project/Program management

F. National Office EEO Policy:

It is the policy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to provide equal opportunity to all employees without regard for race, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran's status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, with a firm commitment from coaches at all levels within the organizational structure of the National Office, affirmative action will be taken to ensure the full utilization of members of racial/ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and Vietnam and disabled veterans within our workforce.

G. Disclaimer:

“This description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and duties of the position. It is not all inclusive. The incumbent in the position will be expected to perform other duties as required. The responsibilities may change over time. This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.”