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Speech Language Pathologist - Clinical Fellow (CF) - Job Opportunity at Care Options for Kids

Thornton, US
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 27, 2025
On-site
USD 84,500 - 90,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental, and vision coverage providing financial security for healthcare needs
Up to $6,000 sign-on bonus demonstrating strong recruitment commitment and immediate financial benefit
Full Throttle Program offering 12 months of free car payments for fleet vehicles, eliminating transportation costs
Company vehicle program reducing personal vehicle wear and providing reliable transportation
Paid holidays ensuring work-life balance and compensation for time off
Generous paid time off policy supporting employee wellbeing and retention
401(k) retirement plan building long-term financial security
Employee referral program providing additional income opportunities
Unlimited continuing education opportunities via online portal supporting career advancement
Industry-leading training programs enhancing professional development
Comprehensive office team support for non-clinical needs including billing, referrals, and scheduling

Key Responsibilities

Deliver specialized speech-language pathology services in home-based settings, creating personalized therapeutic environments that maximize patient comfort and family involvement
Build and manage a professional caseload while receiving salary support during the development phase, ensuring financial stability during career launch
Collaborate with dedicated CF supervisors to develop clinical expertise through individualized mentoring and support systems
Provide services within condensed geographic zones, optimizing travel efficiency and allowing for deeper community connections
Utilize top-tier electronic health record systems to maintain comprehensive patient documentation and treatment progress
Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans that support each child's optimal development and quality of life

Requirements

Education

Must hold a Master's (min) degree in the field of Speech Therapy from an accredited program

Experience

Clinical Fellow level

Required Skills

Licensed to practice Speech Language Pathology in state of occupancy Current valid BLS CPR card Reliable transportation, valid driver's license and current auto liability insurance

Certifications

Speech Language Pathology state license BLS CPR certification
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pediatric speech-language pathology field is experiencing significant growth driven by increased awareness of early intervention benefits and expanded insurance coverage for therapeutic services. Home-based therapy models are becoming increasingly popular as they provide more natural learning environments and reduce barriers to access for families. The profession is seeing a shift toward more family-centered care approaches, where therapists work closely with caregivers to integrate therapeutic strategies into daily routines. Technology integration in speech therapy is advancing rapidly, with telepractice and digital assessment tools becoming standard practice. There is also growing recognition of the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity in therapy approaches, leading to more specialized training requirements. The Clinical Fellowship year represents a critical transition period in speech-language pathology careers, with increasing demand for structured mentorship programs and supportive work environments. Many healthcare organizations are implementing enhanced CF programs with dedicated supervision and reduced caseloads to improve new graduate retention and clinical outcomes. The field is experiencing workforce shortages in many regions, leading to competitive compensation packages and innovative recruitment strategies including sign-on bonuses and vehicle programs.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $84,500 - $90,000 is competitive for a Clinical Fellow position, particularly when combined with the substantial benefits package. This compensation level reflects the current market demand for speech-language pathologists and positions the role above average entry-level salaries in many regions. The sign-on bonus and vehicle program add significant additional value, potentially worth $10,000-15,000 annually in total compensation.

Role Significance

Clinical Fellows typically work with small interdisciplinary teams including supervising speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and case coordinators. Direct supervision involves 1-2 dedicated CF supervisors, with broader team collaboration including 5-10 professionals depending on caseload complexity.
This is an entry-level professional position designed specifically for new graduates completing their Clinical Fellowship year. While entry-level in terms of independent practice, the role carries significant professional responsibility for patient outcomes and requires advanced clinical decision-making skills. The position serves as a critical stepping stone to full professional licensure and independent practice.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of individualized treatment plans for pediatric clients with various communication disorders Collaboration on early intervention programs focusing on speech and language development milestones Family education and training programs to support therapeutic goals in home environments Documentation and progress monitoring systems using electronic health records Participation in multidisciplinary team assessments and care planning conferences

Success Factors

Strong clinical reasoning abilities to adapt evidence-based practices to diverse home environments and family situations, as the home-based setting requires flexibility and creative problem-solving skills that differ from traditional clinical settings. Success requires the ability to quickly assess environmental factors and modify therapeutic approaches accordingly. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building rapport with families and children in their personal spaces, which requires a higher level of cultural sensitivity and adaptability than clinic-based work. The ability to establish trust and maintain professional boundaries in informal settings is critical. Time management and organizational skills to efficiently navigate between multiple home visits while maintaining detailed documentation and treatment planning requirements. Success requires balancing travel time, session preparation, and administrative responsibilities. Openness to mentorship and continuous learning during the Clinical Fellowship year, as this role is specifically designed for professional development and requires active engagement with supervision and feedback processes.

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased recognition of early intervention importance, growing pediatric populations requiring services, and ongoing workforce shortages in many geographic areas. The home health sector specifically is experiencing rapid growth as healthcare systems seek cost-effective alternatives to traditional clinic-based services.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and treatment planning skills are fundamental as home-based therapy requires independent decision-making with less immediate supervisory support than traditional clinic settings. The ability to conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop appropriate interventions is essential for patient safety and outcomes. Cultural competency and family engagement skills are critical in home-based practice where therapists enter diverse family environments and must adapt their approach to various cultural contexts, socioeconomic situations, and family dynamics. Success requires sensitivity to family values and the ability to collaborate effectively with caregivers. Documentation and compliance skills are essential as home health services are subject to strict regulatory requirements and reimbursement guidelines. Accurate, timely documentation affects both patient care continuity and organizational viability.

Beneficial Skills

Technology proficiency for electronic health records, telepractice platforms, and digital assessment tools is increasingly valuable as the field continues to integrate technological solutions. Early adoption of these skills provides competitive advantage and enhances service delivery options. Bilingual communication abilities, particularly Spanish proficiency, significantly enhance service delivery capabilities in many regions and expand career opportunities in diverse communities. This skill is particularly valuable in pediatric home health where family involvement is crucial. Business and entrepreneurial skills become valuable for career advancement opportunities, particularly for those interested in private practice or leadership roles within growing home health organizations.

Unique Aspects

The Full Throttle Program offering 12 months of free car payments represents an innovative approach to reducing financial barriers for new graduates entering the workforce, addressing the significant student loan burdens common in healthcare professions.
The combination of salaried compensation during caseload building with performance-based adjustments provides financial security during the critical CF period while incentivizing professional growth and productivity.
Geographic zone-based service delivery model optimizes efficiency and allows for deeper community relationships, contrasting with traditional models that may require extensive travel across large service areas.
Comprehensive non-clinical support system removes administrative burdens from clinicians, allowing greater focus on patient care and professional development during the critical CF year.

Career Growth

Progression to full licensure occurs after successful completion of the 9-month Clinical Fellowship period. Career advancement to senior clinical roles typically occurs within 2-3 years, with leadership opportunities available within 3-5 years for high performers. Specialization certifications can be pursued concurrently with early career development.

Potential Next Roles

Speech-Language Pathologist (full licensure after CF completion) Senior Speech-Language Pathologist with specialized pediatric expertise Clinical Coordinator or Team Lead positions within home health organizations Specialized roles in areas such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) or feeding/swallowing therapy Private practice opportunities focusing on pediatric home-based services Clinical Fellowship supervisor or mentorship roles for future CFs

Company Overview

Care Options for Kids

Care Options for Kids operates as a specialized pediatric home health organization focused on providing therapeutic services in natural environments. The company has developed comprehensive support systems specifically designed for new graduates, including structured mentorship programs and operational support that removes administrative burdens from clinicians. Their business model centers on condensed geographic service areas and comprehensive support systems.

The company appears to be well-positioned in the growing pediatric home health market, with competitive compensation packages and innovative programs like the Full Throttle vehicle program that differentiate them from traditional healthcare employers. Their focus on Clinical Fellow development suggests a strategic approach to workforce development in a competitive market.
Operating in the Denver metropolitan area, the company serves a region with strong demand for pediatric services and competitive healthcare market conditions. The Thornton location provides access to diverse communities and family demographics, offering varied clinical experiences for new graduates.
The organizational culture emphasizes support and mentorship, particularly for new graduates transitioning to professional practice. The company promotes work-life balance through flexible scheduling and comprehensive support systems, while maintaining focus on high-quality patient care and professional development.
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