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

Fort Lauderdale, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: August 17, 2025
On-site
USD 42-52 per hour

Benefits

Competitive hourly compensation with annual spread pay plan ensuring consistent year-round income stability
Comprehensive health insurance coverage with additional wellness stipends for holistic employee wellbeing
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer support for long-term financial security
Full relocation assistance package supporting geographic flexibility and career mobility
Professional development stipends demonstrating company investment in employee growth and skill advancement
Access to ASHA-approved continuing education webinars and free CEUs for ongoing professional certification maintenance
Travel position opportunities providing career variety and geographic exploration
Employee referral program with incentives for team building and network expansion

Key Responsibilities

Deliver evidence-based speech and language intervention services to school-aged children and adolescents, directly impacting student academic success and communication development
Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized treatment plans that align with educational goals and support student achievement outcomes
Collaborate with multidisciplinary educational teams including teachers, administrators, and parents to integrate communication strategies into classroom learning environments
Maintain detailed documentation and progress monitoring systems that demonstrate student growth and ensure compliance with educational and clinical standards
Provide consultation and training to educational staff on communication disorders and intervention strategies, amplifying therapeutic impact across the school community

Requirements

Education

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 School-based therapy delivery Assessment and treatment planning Multidisciplinary collaboration

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
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pediatric speech-language pathology field is experiencing unprecedented growth due to increased awareness of early intervention benefits and expanding diagnostic capabilities for communication disorders. School-based SLP positions are particularly in demand as educational institutions recognize the critical connection between communication skills and academic achievement, leading to expanded therapy programs and increased staffing requirements. Healthcare staffing companies like The Stepping Stones Group are capturing significant market share by offering comprehensive benefits packages and flexible work arrangements that address the nationwide shortage of qualified SLPs. This trend reflects the industry's shift toward specialized staffing solutions that provide both clinical expertise and administrative support to educational institutions. Telepractice and hybrid service delivery models are becoming increasingly integrated into school-based speech therapy programs, creating opportunities for SLPs to serve multiple districts and expand their professional reach while maintaining the personal connection essential for pediatric therapy success.

Salary Evaluation

The offered hourly rate of $42-52 represents a competitive mid-to-upper range for school-based SLPs in the Fort Lauderdale market, translating to approximately $87,000-$108,000 annually based on typical school year schedules. This compensation level reflects the current market premium for qualified SLPs and positions the role favorably against regional healthcare and educational sector alternatives.

Role Significance

Typically operates as part of a 3-5 member special services team within each school, collaborating closely with special education coordinators, school psychologists, and occupational therapists while maintaining direct reporting relationships with clinical supervisors and school administrators.
This mid-level position offers significant clinical autonomy and decision-making authority, with SLPs serving as the primary communication disorder specialists within their assigned schools. The role carries substantial professional responsibility for student outcomes and requires independent clinical judgment in assessment, treatment planning, and case management.

Key Projects

Implementation of school-wide communication screening programs and early identification initiatives Development of inclusive classroom communication strategies and teacher training programs Creation of individualized education plan (IEP) goals and progress monitoring systems Leadership of multidisciplinary team meetings and parent consultation sessions

Success Factors

Clinical expertise in pediatric communication disorders combined with deep understanding of educational environments and academic standards, enabling effective integration of therapeutic goals with classroom learning objectives Strong collaborative and consultation skills that facilitate productive partnerships with educators, parents, and administrative staff while advocating effectively for student communication needs Adaptability and creative problem-solving abilities essential for working within school system constraints while maintaining high clinical standards and achieving measurable student outcomes Professional commitment to continuing education and evidence-based practice, ensuring treatment approaches remain current with evolving research and best practices in pediatric speech-language pathology

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand driven by national SLP shortages, increased autism spectrum disorder diagnoses, and growing recognition of communication disorders' impact on educational outcomes, creating a highly favorable job market for qualified professionals.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical assessment and diagnostic skills are absolutely essential as SLPs must accurately identify communication disorders and develop appropriate intervention strategies that align with both medical and educational standards, requiring mastery of standardized assessment tools and differential diagnosis techniques Collaborative consultation abilities represent the cornerstone of school-based practice success, as SLPs must effectively communicate complex clinical information to non-clinical education professionals and parents while building consensus around treatment approaches and educational accommodations

Beneficial Skills

Technology integration skills including familiarity with augmentative and alternative communication devices, therapy apps, and telepractice platforms enhance service delivery options and demonstrate adaptability to evolving clinical practice standards Bilingual communication capabilities, particularly Spanish proficiency in the South Florida market, significantly expand service delivery capacity and cultural competency in working with diverse student populations and families

Unique Aspects

The combination of travel opportunities and local placement options provides unusual career flexibility, allowing SLPs to experience diverse educational environments and clinical challenges while maintaining stability in their preferred geographic region
Comprehensive relocation assistance and spread pay planning demonstrate sophisticated understanding of SLP career patterns and financial needs, addressing common barriers to school-based practice such as seasonal income fluctuations and geographic mobility requirements
Direct access to ASHA-approved continuing education resources and professional development stipends creates a structured pathway for career advancement and specialty certification pursuit, distinguishing this opportunity from typical school district direct employment

Career Growth

Advancement to senior clinical or supervisory roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated clinical excellence and leadership capabilities, while transition to administrative or entrepreneurial positions often requires 5-7 years of diverse school-based experience.

Potential Next Roles

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Supervisor overseeing multiple school districts and mentoring junior clinicians Special Education Coordinator or Director positions focusing on communication disorder programs and policy development Private practice ownership specializing in pediatric communication disorders with school district consultation contracts Clinical Faculty positions in university speech-language pathology programs with emphasis on school-based practice

Company Overview

The Stepping Stones Group

The Stepping Stones Group operates as a specialized educational staffing company focused exclusively on school-based therapy services, including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and special education support. The company has established itself as a bridge between qualified healthcare professionals and educational institutions facing staffing challenges, providing comprehensive support services that extend beyond traditional employment placement.

Positioned as a mid-tier player in the educational staffing sector, The Stepping Stones Group differentiates itself through specialized focus on therapy services and comprehensive support packages that address both professional and personal needs of clinical staff, competing effectively against larger generalist staffing firms and direct school district hiring.
Maintains active operations across multiple states with particular strength in high-growth markets like South Florida, where educational expansion and demographic changes create sustained demand for specialized therapy services in both traditional public schools and charter school networks.
Emphasizes professional development and work-life balance through structured support systems, recognizing that clinical professionals require both autonomy in their practice and ongoing professional growth opportunities to maintain job satisfaction and clinical effectiveness.
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.