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

Yelm, US
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 27, 2025
On-site
USD 55-60 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive referral incentive program that rewards networking and team building while expanding professional opportunities
Employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential matching contributions to secure long-term financial stability
Complete health insurance coverage package providing medical, dental, and vision benefits above industry standards
Full relocation assistance package including moving expenses and transition support for geographic flexibility

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive speech and language assessments that directly impact student academic success and social development outcomes
Design and implement individualized therapy programs that transform communication abilities and build lifelong confidence in students
Collaborate with multidisciplinary educational teams to integrate speech therapy goals into broader academic achievement strategies
Maintain detailed progress documentation and data analysis to demonstrate measurable student improvement and program effectiveness
Provide professional consultation to teachers and families, extending therapeutic impact beyond direct service hours

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

Clinical assessment and diagnostic abilities Individualized treatment planning Collaborative team communication Documentation and progress monitoring Family and educator consultation

Certifications

Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) State license or eligibility for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The school-based speech-language pathology sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased recognition of communication disorders and expanded early intervention mandates. Federal legislation continues to strengthen requirements for comprehensive speech services in educational settings, creating sustained demand for qualified professionals. Technology integration in therapy delivery is revolutionizing treatment approaches, with telepractice and digital assessment tools becoming standard practice. The field is also seeing increased emphasis on culturally responsive practices and bilingual service delivery as student populations become more diverse. Post-pandemic educational recovery efforts have intensified focus on communication skills development, as remote learning gaps have highlighted the critical importance of speech and language services. School districts are investing heavily in expanding therapy programs and reducing caseload sizes to improve student outcomes. The profession is evolving toward more collaborative, classroom-integrated service models that maximize therapeutic impact while supporting inclusive education initiatives.

Salary Evaluation

The offered hourly rate of $55-60 represents competitive compensation for school-based SLP positions in the Pacific Northwest region. This translates to approximately $114,400-$124,800 annually for full-time employment, which aligns well with national averages for educational speech-language pathologists. The salary reflects the specialized nature of the role and current market demand, particularly considering the comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities included.

Role Significance

School-based SLPs typically manage caseloads of 40-60 students while collaborating with teams of 8-12 educational professionals including special education teachers, general education teachers, occupational therapists, and administrative staff. The role involves both independent practice and collaborative team participation, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.
This position represents a foundational professional role with significant autonomy and clinical decision-making responsibility. While entry-level friendly, the role carries substantial impact on student outcomes and requires independent case management, assessment interpretation, and treatment planning. The SLP functions as a specialized expert within the educational team structure, providing consultation and leadership in communication disorders.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive communication assessments and eligibility determinations for special education services Development and execution of individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives aligned with academic standards Design and delivery of evidence-based intervention programs targeting articulation, language, fluency, and social communication disorders Creation of inclusive classroom strategies and teacher training programs to support students with communication needs Data collection and analysis projects to demonstrate therapy effectiveness and student progress toward functional communication goals

Success Factors

Clinical expertise in pediatric communication disorders combined with deep understanding of educational systems and special education law creates the foundation for effective practice. Successful SLPs must balance therapeutic knowledge with educational relevance, ensuring interventions support academic achievement and social integration. Strong assessment and diagnostic skills are essential for accurate identification of communication needs and appropriate service recommendations. Collaborative communication abilities and team leadership skills enable effective partnership with diverse educational professionals, families, and community members. The ability to translate complex clinical information into practical educational strategies and family-friendly recommendations is crucial for maximizing therapeutic impact. Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse communication styles and family values significantly enhance service effectiveness. Organizational and time management capabilities are critical for managing diverse caseloads, meeting compliance requirements, and maintaining accurate documentation while providing quality direct services. Adaptability and creative problem-solving skills help navigate resource constraints and develop innovative intervention approaches that engage students and support learning objectives.

Market Demand

Demand for school-based speech-language pathologists remains exceptionally high, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 25% growth through 2032, significantly above average for all occupations. Rural and suburban districts like Yelm are particularly experiencing shortages, creating excellent job security and advancement opportunities for qualified professionals.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and diagnostic capabilities form the cornerstone of effective SLP practice, requiring deep understanding of communication development, disorder identification, and evidence-based evaluation procedures. These skills directly impact student identification accuracy, service appropriateness, and therapeutic outcomes. Mastery of standardized assessment tools, informal evaluation techniques, and differential diagnosis procedures is essential for professional credibility and effective service delivery. Collaborative communication and interpersonal skills enable successful integration into educational teams and effective partnership with families, teachers, and administrators. The ability to clearly explain complex communication concepts, advocate for student needs, and build consensus around intervention approaches significantly impacts service effectiveness and professional relationships. These skills become increasingly important as educational models emphasize inclusive practices and team-based service delivery. Documentation and compliance expertise ensures adherence to special education law, maintains professional accountability, and provides evidence of therapeutic effectiveness. Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and understanding of legal requirements protect both students and professionals while supporting quality assurance and program evaluation efforts.

Beneficial Skills

Technology integration skills including telepractice platforms, digital assessment tools, and therapy applications enhance service delivery options and professional marketability. As educational technology continues advancing, SLPs who can effectively leverage digital tools will have significant advantages in service effectiveness and career opportunities. Bilingual or multicultural competencies become increasingly valuable as student populations diversify, enabling more accurate assessment and culturally responsive intervention approaches. These skills open additional career opportunities and enhance service quality for underserved populations. Research and data analysis capabilities support evidence-based practice implementation and program evaluation efforts, creating opportunities for leadership roles and professional recognition. These skills become particularly important for career advancement into supervisory or administrative positions.

Unique Aspects

The position offers exceptional geographic and professional flexibility through travel opportunities and relocation support, enabling career development across diverse educational environments and community settings. This flexibility is particularly valuable for new graduates seeking varied experience and seasoned professionals interested in new challenges.
The comprehensive professional development package including ASHA-approved continuing education, online resources, and educational stipends demonstrates significant investment in long-term career growth rather than short-term staffing solutions. This support structure accelerates professional competence development and career advancement preparation.
The spread pay plan provides unusual financial stability for school-based positions, addressing the common challenge of seasonal income variation that affects many educational therapy roles. This benefit structure enables better financial planning and work-life balance throughout the year.
The combination of competitive hourly compensation with comprehensive benefits creates a total compensation package that rivals or exceeds traditional school district employment while providing greater flexibility and support services.

Career Growth

Career advancement opportunities typically emerge after 3-5 years of successful school-based practice, with leadership roles becoming accessible after 5-7 years of demonstrated expertise and professional development. The comprehensive professional development support offered by this position accelerates career readiness for advancement opportunities.

Potential Next Roles

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Coordinator positions within larger school districts, providing supervision and mentorship to junior staff while maintaining reduced caseloads Special Education Director or Related Services Coordinator roles that expand into broader educational leadership and program administration Private practice ownership or clinical director positions in pediatric therapy settings, leveraging school-based experience to serve community needs University clinical instructor or adjunct professor positions combining practical experience with academic instruction and research

Company Overview

The Stepping Stones Group

The Stepping Stones Group operates as a specialized staffing and therapy services provider focused exclusively on educational settings across multiple states. The company has established itself as a bridge between qualified therapy professionals and school districts facing staffing challenges, offering comprehensive support services that extend beyond traditional employment placement. Their business model emphasizes long-term professional relationships and career development rather than temporary staffing solutions.

The organization maintains a strong regional presence in the educational therapy staffing sector, competing effectively with both large national staffing firms and local providers through specialized focus and comprehensive support services. Their emphasis on professional development, competitive compensation, and employee support creates competitive advantages in attracting and retaining quality professionals in a tight labor market.
The company's expansion into the Pacific Northwest region, particularly smaller communities like Yelm, reflects strategic focus on underserved markets where staffing needs are most acute. This positioning creates opportunities for professionals to make significant impact while building strong community connections and professional reputation in emerging markets.
The organizational culture emphasizes professional autonomy balanced with comprehensive support systems, creating an environment where individual clinical expertise is valued while providing resources for continuous growth and development. The company's focus on work-life balance through benefits like spread pay and wellness stipends reflects understanding of the demanding nature of school-based therapy work and commitment to sustainable career paths.
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