Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) — Neurodiversity-Affirming, Play-Based Practice
Phoenix, AZ | Full-Time

About Indie

Indie is a neurodiversity-affirming learning and therapy organization serving children ages 3 to 12. We believe therapy should feel like play, and that every child's communication style deserves to be honored, not corrected.

Our Naturalistic Support model is built on relationship, autonomy, and whole-child development across speech, OT, behavioral support, and developmental education.

About the Role

We're looking for an SLPA who leads with curiosity, believes in strengths-based care, and wants to practice somewhere that actually aligns with their values.

You'll work under the supervision of a licensed SLP, delivering 1:1 and classroom-embedded speech therapy activities across a wide range of communication needs, as part of a true multidisciplinary team at our Innovation Center. Push-in and pull-out models. Natural environments. Real collaboration, not siloed practice.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, 40 hours/week
Caseload: Supports approximately 20–25 learners under supervising SLP direction, in 1-hour sessions (many learners receive multiple sessions per week). Remaining hours are protected for documentation, AAC support, team collaboration, and supervision meetings.

What You'll Do

Play-Based Therapy Implementation

• Carry out individualized therapy activities and goals developed by the supervising SLP
• Deliver therapy through push-in and pull-out models across classrooms and therapy spaces
• Support total communication: AAC, verbal language, gestures, and multimodal systems
• Honor Gestalt Language Processing and diverse communication styles
• Keep therapy focused on functional, real-world communication, not isolated skill drills

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Partner daily with teachers, OTs, PTs, and other team members
• Integrate communication strategies into classroom routines and daily activities
• Participate in team meetings and contribute observations to individualized learner planning
• Support team members with communication strategies under SLP direction

Communication Systems & Access

• Support the use of AAC and communication tools as directed by the supervising SLP
• Help ensure learners have consistent access to communication systems throughout the day
• Flag changes in learner needs to the supervising SLP for system adjustments

Family Partnership

• Reinforce caregiver coaching on communication strategies and home carryover, as directed by the supervising SLP
• Maintain open, strengths-based communication with families throughout care
• Support generalization of skills across home and community settings

Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely session notes and data collection under SLP supervision
• Contribute to interdisciplinary documentation systems and learner plans
• Ensure documentation reflects functional growth and meaningful participation

Why SLPAs Choose Indie

• Values-aligned model: neuro-affirming, child-led, relationship-driven
• True interdisciplinary team: collaboration is built into the model
• Growth-minded culture: mentorship, CEUs, and leadership invested in your development
• Meaningful work: serve kids and families who genuinely need and appreciate what you do
• Strong supervision structure: work closely with experienced SLPs in a collaborative, GLP-forward practice

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $45,000–$58,000, based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (effective 1st of the month following 60 days)
• Approximately 40 paid days off annually, including 10 PTO days, 5 sick days, center breaks, and major holidays
• Continuing education credits (CEUs)
• License reimbursement
• Employee discount
• Professional development assistance

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited SLPA program (or Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders with required SLPA coursework)
• Active Arizona SLPA license
• AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Willingness to work under the direct supervision of a licensed SLP at all times
• Openness to working with neurodivergent and/or disabled children (prior experience welcomed, not required; we invest in training)

Preferred:

• Familiarity with AAC and multimodal communication approaches
• Familiarity with Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
• Early intervention or pediatric experience

Work Environment

This is an active, child-centered role. You'll move a lot: floor-level play, indoor and outdoor environments, moderate to high noise levels, and occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. Daily work includes therapy support, coaching, observation, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.

Work Location: In person, Phoenix, AZ