School Speech Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the sphere of education, the role of school speech therapists has never been more crucial.

As society becomes increasingly aware of the importance of early intervention and special education, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our children’s communication abilities grows.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate details of speech therapy in a school setting,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

School Speech Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

School Speech Therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders in children.

They work in schools and are primarily responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders in students.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate students’ speech and language abilities and diagnose communication disorders
• Develop individualized treatment plans to address students’ specific needs
• Implement therapy sessions that help students improve their speech and language skills
• Work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to implement therapy strategies in the classroom and at home
• Monitor and document students’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Advise and counsel students and their families on how to cope with communication disorders
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including educators, school psychologists, and occupational therapists to ensure comprehensive care for students
• Provide training and education to school staff and parents on how to communicate effectively with students with communication disorders
• Participate in IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings to discuss students’ progress and goals
• Advocate for students’ needs and provide resources for additional services when needed
• Maintain professional development and learning to stay current with the latest research and treatment techniques

 

School Speech Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated School Speech Therapist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders in students.

As a Speech Therapist, you should be able to develop individualized treatment plans, provide therapy in groups or individually, track progress and adjust treatments accordingly.

Our ideal candidate has a compassionate approach, excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with students of all ages.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess students’ communication skills (e.g. articulation, fluency, voice, expressive and receptive language, etc.) for the purpose of identifying communication disorders, determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment.
• Collaborate with various groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Counsel students and/or parents for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
• Develop treatment plans and therapies according to students’ needs.
• Monitor students’ progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Document therapy in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in meetings and professional development trainings as needed.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Speech Therapist.
• Master’s degree in Speech Therapy or Speech Language Pathology.
• State license to practice Speech Therapy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt treatments to each student’s needs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Speech Therapist
• Work Environment: School setting. Requires some travel between schools within the district.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Special Education or designated supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Speech Therapist Do?

A School Speech Therapist, also known as a Speech-Language Pathologist, works within the educational system to help students with communication disorders.

These professionals often work with children suffering from a variety of conditions that make communication difficult.

The therapist’s main role is to diagnose and treat disorders related to speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing.

They plan and implement individualized treatment programs to help children improve their communication skills and reach their full potential in the educational setting.

They use a variety of techniques and tools, including language tasks, oral motor exercises, and augmentative and alternative communication devices, to facilitate children’s speech and language development.

School Speech Therapists work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to ensure that the child’s speech therapy goals are integrated into their educational program.

They also provide education and support to families and school staff on how to communicate effectively with children who have speech and language disorders.

In addition, School Speech Therapists are responsible for documenting students’ progress, maintaining records, and reporting on students’ performance and improvement over time.

They may also conduct research to develop new techniques and approaches for treating speech and language disorders.

 

School Speech Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient school speech therapist should possess skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Expert knowledge of various speech disorders, their symptoms, and treatment methods to provide effective therapy for students.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to connect with students of different age groups and their parents, building trust and a conducive therapy environment.
• Excellent communication skills to convey information to students, parents, and school staff about the student’s progress, therapy techniques, and any other concerns.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify the roots of speech and language issues, and devise individualized treatment plans.
• Patience and empathy to deal with students who may have slow progress and to understand their emotions and frustrations.
• A keen attention to detail to monitor and record students’ progress accurately and recognize any subtle changes in speech patterns.
• Effective time management skills to handle multiple students, create therapy schedules, and ensure all sessions are conducted in a timely manner.
• Physical stamina to work in a school environment, which may include moving around different classrooms and handling therapy equipment.

 

School Speech Therapist Experience Requirements

School Speech Therapists usually start their career path by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a related field.

This is typically followed by a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, during which they gain significant theoretical knowledge and practical experience through internships and clinical practice.

These professionals often have a range of 1 to 3 years of experience post-graduation, working in a variety of settings such as clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, before transitioning to the school setting.

The initial years of experience helps the therapists to understand and manage various speech and language disorders, develop treatment plans, and conduct therapy sessions.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience usually have a greater breadth of knowledge about speech and language development, and may also have experience working with a wide range of ages and disorders.

Those with over 10 years of experience often have demonstrated experience in leadership roles such as supervising junior therapists or leading a team of therapists.

They may also have acquired additional certifications and specialization in specific areas of Speech-Language Pathology.

In addition to their experience, all School Speech Therapists must have a national certification and state licensure, which requires ongoing professional development and experience.

 

School Speech Therapist Education and Training Requirements

School Speech Therapists, also known as Speech-Language Pathologists, typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

To get into these graduate programs, prerequisites often include courses in linguistics, phonetics, psychology, and human development.

Some programs may also require a certain amount of supervised clinical experience in communication disorders.

Most states require that speech therapists be licensed, which generally requires a master’s degree and supervised clinical experience.

In addition, they must pass a national examination in speech-language pathology, complete a period of supervised professional practice, and take continuing education courses to maintain their license.

Some school speech therapists may also pursue a doctoral degree, specializing in a particular aspect of speech and language pathology.

Speech therapists who plan to work in the public school system may also need to meet specific state certification requirements, which often include an exam and a criminal background check.

Continuing education and professional development are important in this field to stay updated with the latest research and treatment methods.

Professional certification, such as the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is optional but may make candidates more appealing to employers.

 

School Speech Therapist Salary Expectations

A School Speech Therapist can expect to earn an average salary of $61,172 (USD) per year.

This can fluctuate depending on factors such as the therapist’s years of experience, education level, and location.

Additionally, the size and funding of the school district may impact earnings.

 

School Speech Therapist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a School Speech Therapist need?

A School Speech Therapist typically needs a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field.

They also need to be licensed by their state’s health professions board, and some states may require additional certification for therapists working in a school setting.

Completion of a clinical fellowship is also often required.

 

What skills are important for a School Speech Therapist?

School Speech Therapists need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be working closely with students, parents, and other educational professionals.

They should also have good problem-solving skills to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

Patience, creativity, and empathy are also crucial as they are working with students who may have severe communication difficulties.

 

What are the daily duties of a School Speech Therapist?

On a typical day, a School Speech Therapist might conduct individual or group therapy sessions, create and implement treatment plans, assess students’ speech and language development, and keep detailed records of students’ progress.

They may also consult with teachers and parents to suggest strategies to facilitate a student’s communication in the classroom and at home.

 

What makes a good School Speech Therapist?

A good School Speech Therapist is patient and understanding, as progress can be slow and students may become frustrated.

They should be able to build trusting relationships with their students to create a safe and supportive environment for therapy.

Creativity is also important, as therapists need to find engaging ways to motivate students and facilitate learning.

 

Is it challenging to hire a School Speech Therapist?

Hiring a School Speech Therapist can be challenging because it requires a specific set of skills and qualifications, and there is often a high demand for these professionals in the education sector.

It may be beneficial to offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment to attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So, there it is.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a school speech therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not only about teaching pronunciation.

It’s about creating a world where every child can communicate effectively, one word at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive school speech therapist job description template and real-life instances, you’re ready for the next leap.

But why halt at this point?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to fine-tuned job postings or perfecting your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every word you teach shapes a child’s future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a School Speech Therapist (Complete Guide)

Work That Wows: Unusual Jobs with a Wow Factor

Fun at Work? Yes, Please! Enjoyable Jobs with Great Pay

Top Jobs That Will Make Your Stress Seem Like Child’s Play!

The Prosperity Parade: High-Paying Jobs That Are Taking the Lead!