Speech Language Pathologist - Job Opportunity at EDU Healthcare

Winchester, United States
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 6, 2025
On-site
Based on Winchester, Virginia market conditions and entry-level school-based speech-language pathologist positions, the expected salary range is $55,000-$70,000 annually. The comprehensive benefits package including housing allowances and guaranteed hours likely positions total compensation in the $65,000-$75,000 range, which is competitive for rural Virginia markets but below urban metropolitan areas.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare coverage providing financial security and peace of mind for medical expenses
Professional development investment through license, materials, and continuing education unit reimbursements enabling career advancement
Competitive compensation structure with guaranteed hours ensuring financial stability and predictable income
Immediate-vesting 401k retirement plan with company matching offering superior long-term financial benefits compared to standard vesting schedules
Non-taxable housing and meal allowances providing significant cost-of-living support and increased take-home pay
Flexible benefit plan options allowing customization based on individual needs and life circumstances
Professional liability insurance coverage eliminating personal financial risk and professional protection
Comprehensive education and training programs supporting continuous professional growth and skill development
Round-the-clock support system with dedicated personal contact ensuring immediate assistance and problem resolution
No-fee direct deposit program maximizing take-home pay by eliminating banking fees
National career mobility opportunities providing geographic flexibility and diverse experience options
Referral bonus program creating additional income opportunities through professional networking

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions for communication and speech disorders, directly impacting student academic success and long-term developmental outcomes in exceptional education populations
Execute systematic evaluation processes including screening and observational protocols that form the foundation for individualized treatment planning and educational accommodation strategies
Develop and author detailed evaluation reports, progress documentation, and individualized education plans that serve as legal documents guiding student support services and educational trajectories
Lead collaborative individualized education plan meetings with parents, serving as the primary communication specialist and advocate for student needs while building essential family partnerships
Orchestrate interdisciplinary coordination of therapeutic services with parents, teachers, and administrators, ensuring seamless integration of speech-language goals with broader educational objectives
Execute specialized therapeutic interventions and related professional duties that directly contribute to student achievement of communication milestones and academic readiness

Requirements

Education

Master's degree from ASHA accredited university

Experience

Experience working in schools or with children is preferred but not required

Required Skills

Assessment and diagnostic capabilities for communication and speech disorders Report writing and documentation skills Individualized education plan development Parent and family communication Interdisciplinary collaboration with educational teams

Certifications

Active state-level licensure and/or certification OR ability to obtain
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Industry Trends

The special education sector is experiencing unprecedented demand for speech-language pathologists due to increased identification of communication disorders and expanded awareness of early intervention benefits. Federal mandates under IDEA continue to drive school district hiring as they face compliance requirements for providing related services to exceptional education students. Healthcare staffing companies like EDU Healthcare are increasingly dominating the school-based therapy market as districts outsource specialized services to manage budget constraints and staffing shortages. This trend creates both opportunities and challenges for practitioners seeking stable employment versus contract-based positions. Post-pandemic educational recovery has intensified focus on communication skills development as students return to in-person learning environments, creating sustained high demand for school-based speech-language pathology services across rural and suburban markets like Winchester, Virginia.

Role Significance

Typically operates as part of a 3-8 member special education team including school psychologists, occupational therapists, special education teachers, and support staff. May serve multiple schools within a district, requiring collaboration with 10-20 general education teachers and administrators across assigned caseload.
This represents an autonomous professional role with significant clinical decision-making authority and legal responsibility for student outcomes. While entry-level friendly, the position requires independent case management, interdisciplinary leadership, and direct accountability for IEP compliance and student progress toward communication goals.

Key Projects

Comprehensive three-year evaluations and re-evaluations requiring extensive assessment batteries, analysis, and formal reporting within federal timelines Development and implementation of individualized education plans with measurable communication goals aligned to academic standards and functional life skills District-wide speech-language screening programs for early identification of at-risk students requiring systematic data collection and analysis

Success Factors

Clinical expertise in pediatric communication disorders combined with deep understanding of educational environments and academic language demands. Success requires balancing therapeutic best practices with practical school-based constraints and educational objectives. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for producing legally compliant documentation, leading IEP meetings, and building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders including parents, teachers, and administrators with varying levels of special education knowledge. Adaptability and organizational excellence for managing large caseloads across multiple school buildings while maintaining regulatory compliance, documentation standards, and therapeutic effectiveness in dynamic educational environments.

Market Demand

High demand with favorable job security prospects. The combination of federal special education mandates, ongoing practitioner shortages, and increased awareness of communication disorders creates a sustained seller's market for qualified speech-language pathologists in school settings.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Assessment and diagnostic skills represent the foundation of effective speech-language pathology practice, requiring mastery of standardized testing protocols, informal assessment techniques, and differential diagnosis capabilities. In school settings, these skills directly impact student eligibility determinations and appropriate service delivery models. Documentation and report writing capabilities are legally critical in school-based practice where IEPs serve as binding legal documents. Practitioners must demonstrate ability to translate clinical findings into educationally relevant recommendations while maintaining compliance with federal and state special education regulations. Collaborative communication skills are essential for success in interdisciplinary educational teams where speech-language pathologists must effectively advocate for student needs, explain complex communication concepts to non-specialists, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders with competing priorities and limited resources.

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual capabilities, particularly Spanish-English proficiency, significantly enhance marketability in school districts serving diverse populations and ensure culturally responsive service delivery for English language learners with communication disorders Technology integration skills including familiarity with assistive and augmentative communication devices, educational software platforms, and teletherapy applications are increasingly valuable as schools modernize service delivery and expand accessibility options Behavioral intervention and classroom management understanding complement traditional speech-language skills by addressing the intersection of communication disorders and challenging behaviors, particularly valuable in serving students with autism spectrum disorders and multiple disabilities.

Unique Aspects

The guaranteed hours provision is exceptional in contract-based educational services, providing income security typically associated with direct employment while maintaining the flexibility and support of agency representation
Comprehensive reimbursement for licenses, materials, and continuing education demonstrates significant investment in practitioner development beyond standard agency relationships
The combination of housing and meal allowances with immediate 401k vesting creates a compensation package particularly attractive to new graduates or professionals willing to relocate for career opportunities

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-7 years depending on additional certifications, leadership development, and geographic mobility. Rural markets like Winchester may offer faster progression to supervisory roles due to smaller talent pools.

Potential Next Roles

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist or Department Coordinator overseeing multiple practitioners and program development Special Education Director or Related Services Supervisor with broader administrative responsibilities Private practice ownership focusing on pediatric communication disorders and educational consulting Clinical Fellowship Supervisor or University Clinical Instructor combining practice with professional education

Company Overview

EDU Healthcare

EDU Healthcare operates as a specialized healthcare staffing and services company focused exclusively on educational environments across all 50 states. The company positions itself as a comprehensive solution provider for school districts struggling with special education staffing challenges, offering not just personnel placement but ongoing support and compliance assistance.

EDU Healthcare appears to be a mid-tier player in the competitive educational healthcare staffing market, competing with larger firms like Soliant Health and smaller regional providers. Their nationwide presence and comprehensive support structure suggest established market credibility and financial stability.
Winchester, Virginia represents a strategic market for EDU Healthcare given the region's rural-suburban characteristics, ongoing teacher shortages, and proximity to the Washington DC metropolitan area which creates competitive salary pressures that smaller districts address through outsourcing specialized services.
The emphasis on 24/7 support, guaranteed hours, and comprehensive benefits suggests a company culture focused on practitioner retention and satisfaction. The school-based environment typically offers structured schedules, holiday breaks aligned with academic calendars, and collaborative professional relationships, though with the added complexity of serving multiple stakeholder groups.
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