Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) → $5,000 Sign-on Bonus!

Starting salary: $90,000 - $130,000 per year plus a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12.

About the role

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) to join our award-winning Special Education team. You will provide high-quality speech therapy services customized to meet the individual diagnoses and needs of designated students to achieve speech therapy goals and improve overall speech functioning.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students’ communication strengths and needs to design and implement individualized, evidence-based speech therapy programs aligned with collaborative treatment goals developed alongside educators and families.
• Monitor student progress using data-driven methods and provide meaningful, actionable updates that reflect each student's goals, preferences, and developmental milestones.
• Employ effective, age-appropriate therapy techniques to strengthen speech, language, cognitive, and memory skills within naturalistic environments tailored to each child’s unique profile.
• Write comprehensive, timely progress reports that inform interdisciplinary team discussions and adapt therapy services to optimize individual outcomes.
• Manage case records with precision and compliance in accordance with agency policies and state regulations, routinely reviewing and updating client documentation to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain detailed, timely session notes and submit accurate billing documentation within 24 hours of each client interaction to uphold operational efficiency and accountability.
• Establish and nurture clear, respectful communication with families to facilitate consistent scheduling, address challenges proactively, and coordinate make-up sessions as needed.
• Communicate practical strategies with parents and service providers to support the seamless carryover of speech and communication goals into home and school routines.
• Conduct thorough clinical assessments, recommend appropriate, evidence-based treatment plans, and manage their implementation to uphold high standards of clinical excellence.
• Ensure timely completion of intake processes, ongoing evaluation of therapy plans, and progress toward clinical performance indicators to maintain continuity of care.
• Improve clinical service quality through facilitation of engaging staff trainings, dissemination of current best practices, and mentoring of team members to build collective clinical proficiency.
• Collaborate with clients and families to foster strong, trusting therapeutic relationships that support goal achievement and long-term communication success.
• Provide clinical guidance and supervision in both home and community-based settings to ensure program fidelity and responsive caregiver support.
• Partner with multidisciplinary professionals—including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and educational psychologists—by actively contributing to team meetings and case conferences for integrated care planning.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, consistently contributing to a positive team culture and the overall success of clinical service delivery.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in speech pathology or a closely related field of study.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a speech language pathology (SLP) credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state special education instruction credential preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in providing speech therapy to children, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Well-versed in special education services and compliance, effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, and working with children with individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Proven success in developing and implementing effective treatment plans for children with diverse needs at various levels.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers, and community and/or district partners.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
• Free Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• Free Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development