School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of education, the need for School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists has never been more critical.

As the educational landscape continues to grow, so does the demand for specialized professionals who can address, support, and enhance our children’s communicative capabilities.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decode the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager sculpting the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate responsibilities of a School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Duties and Responsibilities

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to identify and treat students’ speech and language disorders.

They also collaborate with other professionals to ensure the best possible support for students to succeed acadically, socially, and emotionally.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders in students
• Provide treatment for speech and language disorders, helping students to improve in areas such as articulation, fluency, and expressive language
• Develop and implement individualized plans for student therapy and instruction
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to ensure students are receiving comprehensive support
• Monitor students’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Consult with teachers on how to accommodate students with speech and language disorders in the classroom
• Guide and educate family members on how to cope with, and assist in, their child’s speech-language disorder
• Maintain records of students’ therapy progress
• Attend and contribute to student Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings
• Participate in professional development and continue learning about new techniques and technologies in the field of speech-language pathology

 

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing speech, language, and swallowing disorders in students of various ages.

Our ideal candidate is proficient in creating and implementing individualized therapy plans, has excellent communication skills, and is committed to improving our students’ communication abilities.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students’ speech, language, and swallowing abilities to identify communication disorders or conditions
• Develop and implement individualized therapy plans tailored to each student’s needs
• Utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and materials to enhance students’ communication skills
• Collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to ensure the students’ progress and reinforce therapy at home and in the classroom
• Keep detailed records of students’ progress, therapies, and outcomes
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
• Stay updated with the latest best practices, equipment, and technologies in speech-language pathology

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field
• State-issued license to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist
• Experience working with children in a school setting is preferred
• Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well with students, parents, and school staff
• Knowledge of various speech, language, and swallowing disorders and their treatments

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist
• Work Environment: School setting with direct interaction with students, staff, and parents. Some off-site meetings and travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or Special Education Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Do?

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists, also known as SLPs, primarily work in educational settings, catering to students from pre-school through high school.

SLPs assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children.

These disorders may include difficulties with speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, fluency, and swallowing.

They work closely with teachers, parents, and other school personnel to develop individual or group programs, provide counseling, and support classroom activities.

This includes creating and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that help each student meet educational standards and social development goals.

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists also use various strategies and therapies to improve children’s communication skills, such as articulation therapy, language intervention activities, and oral motor therapy.

An essential part of their role is to conduct screenings and diagnostic tests to assess students’ speech and language abilities and determine the appropriate treatment.

They will then regularly monitor the student’s progress and adjust their treatment plan as necessary.

Additionally, they may provide resources and workshops to educate parents and school staff about how to communicate effectively with children who have speech and language difficulties.

In some cases, they may also work with students who have feeding and swallowing difficulties, devising strategies to help them eat safely and nutritiously.

 

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient school-based speech-language pathologist should possess skills and qualifications that match the demands of the job role, such as:

• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and other education professionals.
• A solid understanding of speech disorders, language disorders, and appropriate therapeutic techniques.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive evaluations to assess speech and language disorders in students.
• Patience and compassion for working with children and adolescents who may have various levels of speech or language difficulties.
• Strong problem-solving skills to devise effective individualized therapy plans.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports on student progress.
• Interpersonal skills to build rapport with students, encouraging them in their speech and language development.
• Knowledge of assistive technology and augmentative communication devices used to facilitate communication.
• Capability to work collaboratively with teachers and other school staff to implement speech-language programs into classroom activities.
• Physical stamina for working in a busy school environment and handling various patient needs.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple caseloads, schedules, and administrative tasks.

 

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Experience Requirements

To become a School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist, candidates often need a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

During this program, they gain hands-on experience through clinical practicums and internships, which are an integral part of their educational curriculum.

Upon graduation, candidates are required to complete a postgraduate clinical fellowship, which offers experience in the field under the supervision of a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist.

This usually lasts about 36 weeks and further reinforces the theoretical knowledge gained during their Master’s program with practical, real-world experience.

For entry-level positions, employers may consider these educational and fellowship experiences as sufficient.

However, some employers may still require 1-2 years of professional experience, typically gained in healthcare settings, schools, or private practice.

For roles with more responsibility or specialized areas such as in cases of severe speech or language disorders, employers might require their Speech-Language Pathologists to have more than 3 years of professional experience.

Those with 5 or more years of experience may have developed an in-depth understanding of various speech and language disorders, their diagnostics, and intervention strategies.

These professionals are often ready for supervisory or leadership roles, guiding a team of Speech-Language Pathologists or overseeing a Speech-Language department in a school setting.

In addition to experience, Speech-Language Pathologists also need to be licensed in the state where they plan to work and may require certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or similar professional bodies.

 

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Education and Training Requirements

A School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist typically requires a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders from an accredited program.

Practical experience through internships or clinical placement is crucial for hands-on learning and application of theories.

In addition, state licensure is needed which mandates passing a national exam on speech-language pathology (Praxis).

Continuing education is a key component of this job role as it helps keep up-to-date with the latest techniques and therapies.

Some professionals might also choose to earn a doctorate degree in Speech-Language Pathology for further specialization.

In addition to these, a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) may be required by some employers.

This certification is offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and signifies a high level of professional competency.

Furthermore, to work with children, they may need to have a teaching certification or an education credential depending on the regulations of the respective state.

Good communication skills, compassion, patience, and creativity are some of the important qualities for a School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist.

 

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Expectations

A School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist earns an average salary of $61,172 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may depend on factors such as years of experience, the geographical location of the school, and the specific school district’s budget and salary scale.

 

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist need?

A School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist should have excellent communication and listening skills, as they will be working with children with speech and language difficulties.

They must have patience and empathy to connect with students and create a comfortable learning environment.

They should also have problem-solving skills to analyze and evaluate each student’s condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Knowledge of language and speech development and disorders is also essential.

 

Do School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists need a degree?

Yes, School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists need a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Additionally, they must be licensed in the state they are practicing in.

Some states may also require additional teacher certification if they are working in a public school.

They are also required to complete supervised clinical experience.

 

What should you look for in a School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist resume?

You should look for a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, a state license, and any necessary teaching certifications.

Experience working with children in a school setting would also be valuable.

Additionally, any specialized training or experience with specific speech disorders or populations (e.g., autism, stuttering) could be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist?

A good School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist is patient and understanding, as it often takes time for children to make progress with their speech.

They should be creative and adaptable, able to come up with different approaches to help each unique student.

They should also have a strong desire to help others and a passion for working with children.

Excellent communication skills are also vital, as they will need to regularly communicate with teachers, parents, and other staff.

 

Is it difficult to hire School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists?

Hiring School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and licenses required for the role.

The demand is high, especially in areas where access to these services is limited.

Therefore, it is crucial to offer competitive salaries and benefits, along with a supportive and inclusive work environment.

 

Conclusion

And so, we’ve unravelled the true essence of being a school-based speech-language pathologist.

Surprising, right?

It’s not just about correcting speech.

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

With our detailed school-based speech-language pathologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why halt your journey here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word spoken is a piece of the greater narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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