Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) - Job Opportunity at The Stepping Stones Group

Brooklyn Center, US
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 21, 2025
On-site
USD 55-60 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive referral incentive program enabling professional network monetization and team expansion opportunities
Robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential employer matching to secure long-term financial stability
Complete health insurance coverage providing medical, dental, and vision protection with additional wellness stipends
Full relocation assistance package including moving expenses and transition support for geographic flexibility

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement individualized speech and language intervention programs that directly impact student academic achievement and social integration
Conduct comprehensive assessments and evaluations to identify communication disorders and develop evidence-based treatment protocols
Collaborate with multidisciplinary educational teams including teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure holistic student support and IEP compliance
Maintain detailed documentation and progress monitoring systems that demonstrate measurable student outcomes and regulatory compliance
Provide direct therapeutic services to students across Pre-K through 12th grade addressing articulation, language, fluency, and voice disorders
Participate in IEP meetings and contribute expert clinical recommendations that shape educational programming and accommodation strategies

Requirements

Education

A Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Experience

Experience working with children and adolescents in a school setting a plus

Required Skills

Working with children and adolescents in a school setting

Certifications

Current license in Pre-K -12 Speech and Language Pathology issued by Minnesota Department of Education Eligibility for an American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association Clinical Fellowship, or the CCC certification
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The speech-language pathology field is experiencing unprecedented growth with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 25% job growth through 2032, driven by increased awareness of communication disorders and expanded screening programs in educational settings. School-based SLP positions are particularly in demand as federal mandates for special education services continue to strengthen, while the integration of telepractice and digital therapy tools is revolutionizing service delivery models. Educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the critical role of speech-language pathologists in supporting academic success, with research demonstrating clear connections between communication skills and reading comprehension, social-emotional development, and overall educational outcomes. This has led to expanded funding for SLP services and integration into Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks. The profession is witnessing a significant shift toward evidence-based practice and data-driven interventions, with emphasis on measurable outcomes and collaborative service delivery models that integrate SLPs more deeply into general education curricula rather than traditional pull-out therapy models.

Salary Evaluation

The offered hourly rate of $55-60 is competitive for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, translating to approximately $114,400-$124,800 annually based on a standard school year schedule. This compensation falls within the 75th percentile for school-based SLPs in Minnesota and reflects the current market premium for clinical professionals in educational settings.

Role Significance

School-based SLPs typically work within multidisciplinary teams of 8-12 professionals including special education teachers, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and social workers, while maintaining direct reporting relationships with special education coordinators and building principals.
This position represents a foundational clinical role with significant autonomy and decision-making authority over student caseloads, IEP development, and therapeutic interventions. While entry-level, school-based SLPs typically manage independent caseloads of 40-60 students and serve as the primary communication disorders expert for their assigned schools.

Key Projects

Implementation of school-wide language screening initiatives and early intervention programs Development and execution of individualized education program (IEP) goals and accommodations for students with communication disorders Creation of evidence-based therapy protocols and data collection systems for progress monitoring Collaboration on district-wide special education compliance audits and program evaluations

Success Factors

Clinical expertise in pediatric communication disorders combined with deep understanding of educational systems, IEP processes, and federal special education law requirements Exceptional collaboration and consultation skills enabling effective partnerships with teachers, administrators, and families to create comprehensive support systems Strong data analysis and documentation capabilities for progress monitoring, outcome measurement, and regulatory compliance reporting Adaptability and creativity in developing engaging therapeutic interventions that align with educational curricula and student developmental needs

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for qualified speech-language pathologists in school settings, with Minnesota experiencing a critical shortage of licensed SLPs. The combination of growing student populations with identified communication needs, upcoming baby boomer retirements, and expanded service mandates creates exceptional job security and advancement opportunities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and diagnostic skills are absolutely essential as school-based SLPs must accurately identify and classify communication disorders within educational frameworks, requiring expertise in standardized testing, informal assessment procedures, and differential diagnosis techniques that inform IEP development and service delivery decisions IEP writing and educational law compliance knowledge represents a critical competency area as school-based practice requires intimate familiarity with IDEA regulations, state education codes, and district policies governing special education services, documentation requirements, and procedural safeguards Collaborative consultation abilities are fundamental to success as contemporary school-based SLP practice emphasizes integrated service delivery, requiring sophisticated interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse educational professionals, families, and community stakeholders in developing comprehensive student support plans

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual language capabilities, particularly in Spanish, Somali, or Hmong languages prevalent in Minnesota educational settings, significantly enhance service delivery effectiveness and cultural responsiveness in increasingly diverse school communities Technology integration skills including familiarity with telepractice platforms, digital therapy applications, and electronic documentation systems are increasingly valuable as schools modernize service delivery methods and adopt hybrid intervention models Autism spectrum disorder and social communication expertise provides significant professional advantage given the growing prevalence of ASD diagnoses and emphasis on social-pragmatic language intervention in educational settings

Unique Aspects

The position offers unusual flexibility through travel opportunities and spread pay options, enabling SLPs to maintain income stability throughout the year while potentially exploring different educational environments and communities
Comprehensive professional development support including ASHA-approved continuing education units and clinical mentorship programs specifically designed for school-based practice
Relocation assistance and geographic flexibility options that are uncommon in traditional school district employment, allowing for career exploration and personal growth opportunities

Career Growth

Career advancement opportunities typically emerge within 3-5 years of experience, with supervisory roles available after 5-7 years and administrative positions accessible within 7-10 years of progressive clinical and leadership experience.

Potential Next Roles

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist or SLP Coordinator overseeing district-wide programs and mentoring junior clinicians Special Education Administrator or Director with responsibility for comprehensive disability services and compliance Clinical Supervisor or University Clinical Instructor combining practice with professional education and training responsibilities Private Practice Owner or Healthcare Setting SLP expanding into medical or rehabilitation environments

Company Overview

The Stepping Stones Group

The Stepping Stones Group operates as a specialized healthcare staffing and therapy services company focused on educational and pediatric settings, with a business model centered on placing qualified therapists in school districts experiencing staffing shortages. The company has established a national presence through contracts with hundreds of school districts across multiple states.

As a mid-tier player in the educational therapy staffing industry, The Stepping Stones Group competes with larger national firms while maintaining focus on personalized service and comprehensive support packages for placed professionals, positioning itself as a preferred partner for both candidates seeking flexibility and districts requiring reliable staffing solutions.
The company maintains significant regional presence in the Midwest, with particular strength in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and surrounding states where educational therapy shortages are most acute, allowing for established relationships with district administrators and understanding of state-specific licensure requirements.
The organization emphasizes professional development and clinician support through mentorship programs, continuing education opportunities, and flexible assignment options that accommodate both new graduates seeking experience and experienced professionals desiring geographic mobility or work-life balance.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.