Job Description

Posting number: 26-27-05216

Department: Support Services

Division: Special Education / SUPPSVC

Job classification: Speech Language Pathologist

Posting type: Open

Categories: K-12

Summary

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: October 2026

FTE: 1.0

Hours per day: 7.5

Salary Level: Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is $73,549 (BA+0 step 1) through $144,248 (MA+90 step 20)

Union/Days per year: Teacher, 182 workdays, 10-month

Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.

Additional Information: This position is a replacement contract for the 2026-2027 school year. It is anticipated to conclude on the last student day in June 2027, or upon the return of staff member on leave, whichever occurs first.

Examples of duties

This position plans and administers speech and language therapy for students with speech and language problems with the goal of restoring and improving communication skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Reviews physician’s or audiologist’s referral; evaluates students’ medical records; and evaluates and diagnoses speech and language skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors to determine speech and language therapy treatment requirements.
2. Plans and prepares written treatment programs based on evaluation of student data.
3. Plans, directs, and conducts treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency of students with communication problems of organic and non-organic etiology; develops and implements individualized plans for assigned students to meet individual needs, interests and abilities; instructs students to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice new skills.
4. Provides counseling, guidance, and language development therapy to students with speech disabilities; supervises students in lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under School District sanction.
5. Administers, scores, and interprets hearing and speech tests.
6. Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
7. Maintains up-to-date cumulative speech and language therapy records for all assigned students; records treatment, response and progress on a daily basis; maintains other records as required by the District and state and federal law; follows all relevant state and federal regulations for special education; maintains confidentiality.
8. Confers with physicians and other practitioners to obtain additional student information; suggests revisions in treatment program; integrates speech and language therapy treatment with other aspects of student’s rehabilitation program; works as a team member with the student, family, teachers, special education staff, and other health care practitioners to help the student achieve desired goals; instructs students and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
9. Requisitions, repairs, and replaces speech and language therapy supplies and equipment.
10. Provides direction and instructions to assigned paraeducational/SLPA staff.
11. Serves as a consultant for speech and language therapy matters; serves on committees (including IEP teams); serves as a consultant to classroom teachers to incorporate speech and language development activities into daily schedule; participates in meetings as directed.
12. Participates in the development of objectives, standards, and procedures in the District speech and language therapy program and in planning, implementing, and evaluating speech and language therapy services to be provided in each school.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

1. Maintains professional competence through continuing education activities; maintains speech and language therapy ESA certification; participates in professional development activities as needed or assigned.
2. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
3. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS

The daily activities of the speech language pathologist are performed in a school setting. There is a high level of interaction with students; may be required to deal with distraught parents/students. Visual and mental concentration on details and precision is required. The employee is required to travel to different sites and may be exposed to infectious diseases; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in speech language pathology from an accredited college or university; experience as a speech language pathologist in a public-school setting, preferred; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Valid Washington State ESA speech therapist certificate.

Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of speech and language therapy.

Knowledge of state and federal laws governing the provision of speech and language therapy services within public schools.

Knowledge of state and federal regulations and procedures governing special education.

Ability to document evaluation results and develop goals and short-term objectives.

Ability to prepare accurate, detailed records.

Ability to communicate effectively with students with special needs.

Ability to plan and organize work and to set priorities.

Ability to obtain, clarify, and exchange information.

Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Ability to perform speech and language therapy services in accordance with established guidelines and standards.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to work as a team member.