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

Castroville, US
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 17, 2025
On-site
USD 42-48 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive referral program with monetary incentives for successful candidate placement, creating additional income opportunities
401(k) retirement savings plan with potential employer matching to secure long-term financial stability
Full health insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision benefits with wellness stipends for holistic health support
Complete relocation assistance package including moving expenses and transition support for geographic flexibility

Key Responsibilities

Deliver evidence-based speech-language therapy services to students with communication disorders, directly impacting their academic success and social integration
Conduct comprehensive evaluations and assessments to identify communication needs and develop individualized education programs (IEPs)
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including teachers, administrators, and parents to create cohesive treatment plans that support student achievement
Maintain detailed documentation and progress monitoring to ensure compliance with federal and state educational regulations
Participate in professional development activities to stay current with best practices and emerging therapeutic techniques

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Experience

Experience working with children and adolescents in a school setting preferred, but new graduates encouraged to apply

Required Skills

Working with children and adolescents in educational environments Clinical assessment and evaluation techniques IEP development and implementation Documentation and record-keeping

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 in TX through TDLR
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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, significantly outpacing most other healthcare professions. This surge is driven by increased awareness of communication disorders, expanded screening programs in schools, and growing recognition of the connection between communication skills and academic achievement. School-based speech-language pathology positions are becoming increasingly specialized, with emphasis on evidence-based practice and data-driven interventions. Districts are investing more heavily in comprehensive communication support programs as research continues to demonstrate the strong correlation between communication skills and overall student success metrics. The integration of technology in speech therapy is revolutionizing service delivery, with teletherapy options, digital assessment tools, and interactive therapy applications becoming standard practice. This technological advancement is particularly valuable in rural areas like Castroville, where access to specialized services has traditionally been limited.

Salary Evaluation

The offered hourly rate of $42-48 represents a competitive compensation package for the Central Texas market, translating to approximately $87,360-$99,840 annually based on a standard school calendar. This rate is slightly above the national median for school-based SLPs and reflects the current market demand for qualified professionals in Texas, where rural and semi-rural districts often offer premium compensation to attract talent.

Role Significance

School-based SLPs typically work within multidisciplinary teams of 8-12 professionals including special education teachers, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and administrators. Individual caseloads generally range from 40-60 students depending on district size and service delivery model.
This position represents a standard clinical role with moderate autonomy, requiring independent case management and clinical decision-making while operating within established school district protocols. The role carries significant professional responsibility for student outcomes and IEP compliance, positioning it as a mid-level clinical position with growth potential.

Key Projects

Implementation of district-wide communication screening programs to identify at-risk students early in their educational journey Development and execution of intensive intervention programs for students with severe communication disorders Leadership of professional learning communities focused on communication support strategies for general education teachers Collaboration on grant-funded initiatives to expand access to communication technology and assistive devices

Success Factors

Clinical expertise in pediatric communication disorders combined with deep understanding of educational systems and IEP processes ensures effective service delivery within school environments Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency are essential for building trust with diverse families and collaborating effectively with educational professionals from various backgrounds Adaptability and creative problem-solving abilities enable successful navigation of resource constraints and varying student needs within the public education framework Commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice ensures delivery of current, effective interventions that produce measurable student outcomes

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for school-based speech-language pathologists, particularly in Texas where growing student populations and increased identification of communication disorders have created significant shortages. The willingness to hire new graduates indicates urgent staffing needs and excellent job security for qualified candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and diagnostic skills are absolutely essential as school-based SLPs must accurately identify communication disorders and differentiate between language differences and disorders in increasingly diverse student populations. These skills directly impact student eligibility determinations and intervention planning. IEP development and compliance expertise is crucial for success in educational settings, as SLPs must navigate complex federal and state regulations while ensuring students receive appropriate services. Mistakes in this area can have serious legal and educational consequences for districts. Collaborative consultation abilities are vital for working effectively with teachers, parents, and administrators who may have limited understanding of communication disorders but play critical roles in student success. The ability to translate clinical concepts into practical educational strategies is essential.

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual capabilities, particularly Spanish proficiency, would be extremely valuable in the South Texas market where significant portions of the student population may be English language learners with communication support needs Technology integration skills including familiarity with speech therapy apps, teletherapy platforms, and assistive communication devices would enhance service delivery options and appeal to progressive school districts Grant writing and program development experience could open doors to leadership opportunities and specialized program creation within school districts seeking to expand their communication support services

Unique Aspects

The combination of competitive compensation, comprehensive relocation assistance, and new graduate support creates an attractive entry point into school-based practice for emerging professionals
The spread pay option provides financial stability during summer months when traditional school-based positions may not offer compensation, addressing a common concern in educational settings
Access to ASHA-approved continuing education and professional development stipends demonstrates genuine investment in long-term career growth rather than just immediate placement
The availability of travel positions within the same organization offers unique opportunities for professional variety and geographic exploration while maintaining consistent employer benefits

Career Growth

Career advancement opportunities typically emerge within 3-5 years of experience, with leadership roles becoming accessible after demonstrating clinical excellence and developing specialized expertise in areas such as autism spectrum disorders or assistive technology.

Potential Next Roles

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist or Department Coordinator positions within larger school districts, overseeing multiple SLPs and program development Private practice ownership specializing in pediatric communication disorders with potential for contracting services back to school districts Clinical supervisor or university faculty positions focusing on training the next generation of school-based SLPs Special education administration roles leveraging communication expertise to guide district-wide special services programs

Company Overview

The Stepping Stones Group

The Stepping Stones Group operates as a specialized healthcare staffing organization focusing exclusively on educational support services, including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and school psychology. The company has established itself as a bridge between qualified healthcare professionals and school districts facing staffing shortages, particularly in underserved rural and semi-rural communities.

As a niche player in the educational healthcare staffing market, The Stepping Stones Group maintains a solid reputation for matching qualified professionals with appropriate placements and providing ongoing support throughout assignments. Their focus on school-based services differentiates them from broader healthcare staffing agencies.
The company's presence in Texas reflects the state's significant need for educational support services, with particular strength in placing professionals in smaller communities like Castroville where direct recruitment can be challenging for individual school districts.
The organization emphasizes professional support and career development, creating a culture that values both clinical excellence and professional growth. Their comprehensive benefits package and focus on work-life balance suggests a understanding of the demands placed on school-based healthcare professionals.
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