Speech Language Pathologist - Support Specialist

SUMMARY: 

The Speech & Language Support Specialist provides regional leadership, mentorship, and consultation to enhance speech-language programming and build educator capacity across Marquette-Alger RESA. This role focuses entirely on programmatic support, coaching, and clinical mentorship for regional speech-language staff. Responsibilities include delivering high-quality professional development, mentoring clinical fellows, and supporting the strategic alignment of communication services within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s Degree and full Approval as a Speech-Language Pathologist as per the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech & Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience providing school-based speech-language services.
• Experience providing professional development, mentoring, or coaching to adult learners.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in speech-language services, including integration into Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and technology skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with educational teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five (5) or more years of experience as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Experience mentoring new SLPs or supervising clinical fellows (CFs).
• Knowledge of assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and inclusive practices within MTSS frameworks.
• Knowledge of a variety of service delivery models for speech-language services (e.g., push-in, pull-out, co-teaching, consultative support, 3:1 model).
• Familiarity with diverse approaches to communication development, including Gestalt Language Processing, Navigating School Dynamics, and other evidence-based practices for social communication and language learning.
• Familiarity with school districts within Marquette and Alger counties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• School-Based Speech and Language Services Mentorship & Staff Coaching
  • Provide direct mentorship, onboarding, and guidance to regional speech-language staff regarding school-based speech and language services.
  • Act as a supervisor for individuals completing their Clinical Fellowship year (CFY) or transitioning into school-based practice. 
• Complex Evaluation & School-Based Consultation
  • Partner with multidisciplinary special education teams to navigate complex student profiles and highly nuanced student needs.
  • Provide expert insight on school-based speech and language services to ensure comprehensive, legally sound evaluations for difficult decisions.
• Workload & Operational Leadership  
  • Provide guidance and leadership to regional staff regarding efficient caseload and workload management strategies, scheduling optimization across multiple sites, and the implementation of research-based service deliver models (e.g., 3:1 models, classroom-based intervention, or consultative support).
• Community Facilitation & Professional Learning
  • Coordinate the regional Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Community of Practice by facilitating  quarterly meetings to promote collaboration and share evidence-based practices. Design and deliver targeted professional development focusing on emerging research and diverse communication frameworks.
• Compliance Consultation & Regulatory Guidance
  • Guide regional speech-language teams in maintaining alignment with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE). Provide expertise on complex regulatory standards evaluation timelines and compliant documentation practices.
• Systemic Consultation & MTSS Alignment
  • Partner with district school teams to advise on service delivery models that maximize educator capacity.
  • Collaborate with administration to integrate communication services seamlessly within universal and tiered MTSS frameworks, emphasizing early intervention.
  • Ensure accessibility to AAC and related technology to support student learning in the general education curriculum. 
    
     

• Must keep the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA and LEAs confidential at all times.
• Must exercise confidentiality and sound judgment in dealing with families, children, and staff.
• Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate meetings or professional development schedules. 
• Must demonstrate proficiency in computer/software use including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets) and Microsoft Office..
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple activities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Must be organized, self-motivated, and enthusiastic.
• Position requires a valid driver’s license and routinely requires regional travel in Marquette and Alger counties using personal vehicle. Occasional travel to other areas of the state may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to skit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. Occasionally required to stoop, knee, crouch, or reach with hands and arms.
• Routinely required to lift, carry, and transport presentation materials, training supplies, or assistive technology equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Requires significant computer use and fine motor coordination for operating digital devices and demonstrative tools.
• Requires the physical stamina to drive long distances between regional school districts in varying weather conditions. 
• Work is performed in a variety of educational environments, including central RESA offices, local school district classrooms, and conference rooms.
• Standard indoor office and school building environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and noise levels. The noise level in local schools can vary from quiet to moderate/loud depending on the time of day and student activity.
• Fast-paced environment requiring the ability to switch tasks rapidly, manage interruptions, and engage with high volume of educators, administrators, and community partners daily.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full time position; Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.

REPORTS TO:  Executive Director of Special Education

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: According to Marquette-Alger RESA MEA Collective Bargaining Agreement

Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Marquette-Alger RESA’s Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at  maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ .