Polk County - Speech-Language Pathologist

Evaluation & Eligibility

• Conduct comprehensive speech and language evaluations using standardized and dynamic assessment tools (CELF, GFTA, TOLD, PLS, CASL, and others) to determine eligibility for services under IDEA and applicable state standards.
• Complete full psycholinguistic profiles including receptive/expressive language, phonology, fluency, voice, and pragmatics as appropriate to the referral.
• Write evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous, legally defensible, and accessible to IEP team members across disciplines.
• Participate in eligibility determination meetings and provide clinical interpretation of results to families, educators, and administrators.
• Conduct re-evaluations (triennials) in accordance with IDEA timelines.

IEP Development & Service Delivery

• Develop individualized IEP goals that are measurable, standards-aligned, and meaningful to the student’s educational and communicative participation.
• Deliver direct individual and small-group therapy sessions aligned to IEP goals across articulation, language, fluency, voice, AAC, and social communication.
• Provide consultative services to general and special education teachers on communication strategies, classroom accommodations, and language-based learning supports.
• Participate in IEP meetings as the SLP of record, including annual reviews, amendment meetings, and manifestation determinations when relevant.
• Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes in compliance with state documentation requirements — supported by Thrive’s AI documentation tools.

Collaboration & Teaming

• Partner with special education teachers, OTs, PTs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and mental health clinicians on integrated, student-centered IEP teams.
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, home strategies, and upcoming IEP decisions in a way that is clear, warm, and jargon-free.
• Consult with classroom teachers on language-based learning challenges, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and written language supports.
• Contribute to RTI/MTSS Tier 1 and Tier 2 language screening and progress monitoring at the universal level.
• Coordinate with outside providers, medical professionals, and community agencies when clinically appropriate.

AAC & Specialized Populations

• Evaluate for and implement augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems — including high-tech devices (Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, LAMP) and low-tech supports — for students with complex communication needs.
• Train classroom staff, paraprofessionals, and families on AAC implementation and aided language stimulation strategies.
• Serve students with a range of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental language disorder, and acquired communication disorders.
• Implement evidence-based approaches including PROMPT, Lidcombe, DTTC, PECS, social thinking frameworks, and language experience approaches as appropriate to each student’s profile.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a CAA-accredited program.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, OR active Clinical Fellowship (CF) with CCC-SLP supervision provided by Thrive.
• State SLP license in good standing, or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date.
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP process, eligibility criteria, and special education law as it applies to SLP services in K–12 settings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive W-2 salary: $86,000–$94,000 based on credentials, experience, and location.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• 401(k) with company match.
• 10 days PTO + paid sick leave.
• Professional development stipend ($1,000–$2,000 annually) for CEUs, conferences, and certifications.
• $2,000 sign-on bonus (paid at 90 days).
• $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed.
• CCC-SLP (ASHA) dues and state licensure fees fully reimbursed.
• Malpractice and professional liability coverage provided by Thrive.
• No non-compete clause — we earn your loyalty by being a place worth staying.