Pediatric Speech Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of healthcare, the importance of pediatric speech therapists continues to grow.

As society becomes more aware and accommodating of children with communication difficulties, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and enhance the communication skills of these young individuals increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric speech therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric speech therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric speech therapist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Speech Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Speech Therapists work with children who have a range of communication difficulties, often relating to problems with speech, language, and swallowing.

They use a variety of techniques and therapies to help the child improve their communication skills.

A Pediatric Speech Therapist’s daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the speech, language, cognitive-communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills of children to identify areas of difficulty and the potential for improvement
• Developing an individualized plan of care, tailored to each child’s needs
• Implementing speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists
• Monitoring the child’s progress and adjusting the treatment program as necessary
• Educating and providing guidance to family members, caregivers, and teachers about speech and language development and disorders
• Teaching children how to make sounds, improve their voice, or increase their oral or written language skills to communicate more effectively
• Administering hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments
• Keeping detailed records of patients’ progress
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists

 

Pediatric Speech Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Speech Therapist to assess, diagnose, and treat children with communication and swallowing disorders.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, implementing therapy plans, and collaborating with family members and other professionals.

The ideal candidate is patient, empathetic, and has a strong understanding of child development and speech-related conditions.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating and diagnosing speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Developing and implementing individualized therapy plans based on patient needs and evaluation findings.
• Documenting patient progress and modifying therapy plans as required.
• Providing education and support to family members, caregivers, and teachers.
• Collaborating with other professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and educators to provide comprehensive care.
• Maintaining confidentiality and accurate records.
• Continually updating skills and knowledge through professional development activities.

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field.
• State licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Experience working with pediatric patients.
• Knowledge of speech-related conditions and treatments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Speech Therapist
• Work Environment: Majority of time will be spent in a clinic environment. Some travel may be required for home visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Head of Therapy Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications or licenses to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Speech Therapist Do?

Pediatric Speech Therapists, also known as pediatric speech-language pathologists, work primarily with children ranging from infants to adolescents.

They specialize in diagnosing, managing and treating children’s speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders.

They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, or may offer private services, and often collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals like pediatricians, psychologists, and occupational therapists.

Their tasks include conducting assessments to diagnose the child’s communication disorders, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, and providing therapy and techniques to improve communication skills.

They also play a crucial role in educating and advising parents or caregivers about the child’s condition and progress, offering strategies and exercises that can be practiced at home to improve the child’s communication abilities.

Pediatric Speech Therapists use a range of therapeutic tools, interventions, and techniques, like language intervention activities, articulation therapy, oral-motor or feeding and swallowing therapy.

In addition, they often work with children who have specific conditions such as autism, down syndrome, hearing impairments, or those who are in need of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Their ultimate goal is to improve a child’s ability to communicate effectively and interact positively with others in their environment.

 

Pediatric Speech Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Pediatric Speech Therapist should have a skill set and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of child development and disorders related to speech, voice, swallowing and language.
• Ability to assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders in children.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with children and their families, as well as other healthcare providers.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex medical terms and therapy procedures to parents and caregivers.
• Empathy and patience to work with children who may be frustrated or upset during therapy sessions.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to adapt therapy techniques to the specific needs of each child.
• Record-keeping skills to document a child’s progress and modify treatment plans as needed.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to demonstrate speech and language exercises.

 

Pediatric Speech Therapist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Speech Therapists usually hold a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, which includes extensive supervised clinical experience.

This education provides foundational knowledge in communication disorders and therapeutic techniques tailored to children.

Entry-level Pediatric Speech Therapists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or clinical practicums during their graduate program.

These professionals may also gain valuable experience in roles such as Speech Therapy Assistant or in related fields such as special education or child psychology.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often refine their therapeutic skills and deepen their understanding of pediatric communication disorders through roles as Speech-Language Pathologists in schools, hospitals, or private practice settings.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have developed specialties in areas like autism spectrum disorders, early intervention, or bilingual therapy.

These seasoned professionals may also have leadership experience, including overseeing a team of therapists or managing a private practice, positioning them for roles as department heads or clinical supervisors.

In addition to these experience requirements, all Pediatric Speech Therapists must meet the licensing requirements of their state, which often includes passing a national examination in speech-language pathology.

Many also earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

 

Pediatric Speech Therapist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Speech Therapist, a minimum of a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology is typically required.

The coursework should be accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and may include subjects such as phonetics, anatomy, physiology, and speech and language development.

In addition to the completion of an approved course of study, a supervised clinical experience is mandatory.

This allows students to gain practical experience in assessing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

After completing the education and clinical experience, aspiring Pediatric Speech Therapists are required to pass a national examination in speech-language pathology to become licensed practitioners.

State licensure is a prerequisite in most states, and the requirements might slightly differ depending on the specific state regulations.

Some Pediatric Speech Therapists choose to attain an optional certification from the ASHA, known as the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).

This certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to the frequent advancements in treatment techniques and technologies, thus many therapists participate in workshops, conferences, and other training programs regularly.

 

Pediatric Speech Therapist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Speech Therapist earns an average salary of $77,510 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can significantly differ based on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, and geographical location.

Further, therapists who work in private practice may have different earning potential.

 

Pediatric Speech Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Speech Therapist need?

A Pediatric Speech Therapist should have strong communication skills and a keen ability to work well with children.

They must be patient, understanding, and have the ability to motivate children throughout the therapy process.

They should also have knowledge of various speech disorders and their treatment, possess strong analytical skills to diagnose speech and language issues, and develop tailored treatment plans.

 

What qualifications are required to become a Pediatric Speech Therapist?

To become a Pediatric Speech Therapist, a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology is typically required.

They also need to be licensed in the state they practice, which generally includes passing a national examination.

Additionally, some positions might require a certain amount of clinical experience, particularly with children.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Speech Therapist resume?

The first thing to look for is whether they have a valid state license and the required education.

You should also look for experience working with children, as well as experience treating a variety of speech and language disorders.

Additional certifications, such as pediatric CPR or training in specific therapy techniques, can also be valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Speech Therapist?

A good Pediatric Speech Therapist should be patient, as progress can be slow and children can become easily frustrated.

They should be creative in order to make therapy sessions engaging for children.

Excellent communication skills are vital, as they must be able to explain complex issues to both children and their parents.

They should also be empathetic and supportive, creating a safe and comfortable environment for children to express themselves.

 

Is it challenging to find qualified Pediatric Speech Therapists?

Yes, finding qualified Pediatric Speech Therapists can be a challenge.

It’s a specialized field that requires specific education and licensing, as well as experience and comfort working with children.

It’s important to offer competitive benefits and supportive working conditions to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a pediatric speech therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about improving a child’s speech.

It’s about shaping the future of a child, one word at a time.

With our indispensable pediatric speech therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating accurate job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word a child learns is a step towards a brighter future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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