Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Team
At Finger Lakes Therapy Works, we believe children make the greatest progress when therapy happens where they live, learn, and play. As a New York State-approved Early Intervention and Preschool provider, we bring speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education directly into homes, childcare settings, preschools, schools, and community environments throughout the Finger Lakes region. 

Our Speech-Language Pathologists do more than provide therapy. They build meaningful relationships with children and families, empower caregivers through coaching, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to help children develop the communication skills they need to participate fully in everyday life. 

If you are passionate about helping young children find their voice, connect with others, and communicate with confidence, we would love to have you join our team.

Mission: Meeting your child where they are.

Position Summary

The Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist provides comprehensive evaluation, individualized intervention, and caregiver coaching to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children with communication, speech, language, social communication, or feeding and swallowing needs. 

Services are delivered in natural environments using evidence-based, play-based, and family-centered approaches. The Speech-Language Pathologist integrates communication strategies into children's everyday routines and collaborates with caregivers, educators, and other professionals to support meaningful functional outcomes. 

Unlike traditional clinic-based speech therapy, this role emphasizes functional communication, caregiver coaching, and embedding intervention into the child's natural environment. 

Why Join Finger Lakes Therapy Works?

We believe exceptional clinicians deserve an exceptional workplace. 
We offer: 

• Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance 
• Clinical autonomy with supportive leadership 
• Collaborative interdisciplinary care alongside Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, and Service Coordinators 
• Diverse and engaging community-based practice settings 
• Opportunities for mentorship and professional development 
• Meaningful relationships with children and families 
• A mission-driven culture focused on helping every child reach their fullest potential 

What You'll Do
Assessment & Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of speech, language, communication, social communication, and, when within scope and appropriately trained, feeding and swallowing skills. 
• Use standardized assessments, caregiver interviews, clinical observation, and play-based assessment methods appropriate for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. 
• Identify children's communication strengths, needs, and functional barriers within their everyday environments. 
• Collaborate with families and the interdisciplinary team to establish meaningful, measurable goals. 

Individualized Intervention

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), when applicable. 
• Deliver evidence-based, play-centered interventions targeting receptive and expressive language, speech sound development, social communication, fluency, functional communication, and other identified needs. 
• Integrate communication opportunities into play, routines, social interactions, and everyday activities. 
• Adapt intervention strategies to each child's developmental level, communication style, interests, strengths, and family priorities. 
• Monitor progress and adjust intervention plans based on clinical findings and functional outcomes. 

Family Coaching & Education

• Coach caregivers on practical strategies that promote communication throughout daily routines and activities. 
• Help families create meaningful opportunities for children to communicate at home, in childcare, and in community settings. 
• Provide education and resources that empower caregivers to support continued progress between therapy sessions. 
• Foster trusting relationships through empathy, encouragement, and shared decision-making. 

Augmentative & Alternative Communication

• Identify children who may benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports. 
• Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary team members to evaluate and implement appropriate communication supports. 
• Recommend communication strategies, visual supports, and assistive technology when clinically appropriate. 
• Provide caregiver and team education to support consistent use of communication systems across environments. 

Collaboration

• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, physicians, childcare providers, and other professionals. 
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, case conferences, transition planning, and coordinated care discussions. 
• Coordinate communication goals and strategies across the child's home, childcare, preschool, school, and community environments. 

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, plans of care, and required documentation accurately and within established timelines. 
• Maintain compliance with New York State Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, payer requirements, and Finger Lakes Therapy Works standards. 
• Document clinical findings, progress toward goals, caregiver participation, and recommended changes to intervention. 

Professional Practice

• Maintain required licensure, certification, and continuing education. 
• Practice ethically and provide culturally responsive, family-centered care. 
• Stay current with evidence-based pediatric speech-language pathology practices. 
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and positive clinical culture. 

What Success Looks Like
Successful Speech-Language Pathologists at Finger Lakes Therapy Works: 

• Build trusting relationships with children and caregivers. 
• Create engaging communication opportunities through play and everyday routines. 
• Help caregivers confidently support communication development between sessions. 
• Demonstrate measurable progress toward individualized communication goals. 
• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation. 
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines and service environments. 
• Adapt intervention strategies based on each child's development, interests, and family priorities. 

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program. 
• Current New York State Speech-Language Pathology license or eligibility for New York State licensure. 
• Completion of required supervised clinical experience and examinations for New York State licensure. 
• Ability to meet applicable New York State requirements for providing Early Intervention and Preschool services. 
• Strong knowledge of pediatric speech, language, and communication development. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, and time-management skills. 
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based visits. 
• Ability to successfully complete required background screenings. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 
• Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certification. 
• Experience providing pediatric speech-language services. 
• Experience in Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education. 
• Experience providing services in homes, childcare settings, preschools, or community environments. 
• Experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). 
• Experience with pediatric feeding and swallowing. 
• Experience with telepractice. 
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are considered an asset. 

Physical & Work Environment
This position is performed primarily within children's homes, childcare centers, preschools, schools, and community settings. The role requires frequent interaction with children at different developmental levels and may include sitting on the floor, standing, bending, kneeling, moving throughout activity spaces, and transporting therapy materials. 
Local travel throughout the Finger Lakes region is required. 
Telepractice may be available when clinically appropriate and consistent with program requirements. 

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Competitive starting compensation of approximately $72–$80 per hour , with opportunities for growth based on experience, performance, and career progression. 

Career Path: Clinicians have a clear pathway to advance into salaried positions with increased responsibility, stability, and leadership opportunities . 

Eligible team members may also receive: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision — Employer-sponsored coverage with multiple medical plan options. 
• 401(k) with Employer Match — Employer match of up to 4% of eligible pay. 
• Employer-Paid Insurance — Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and professional liability coverage. 
• Paid Time Off — Paid holidays, sick time, and PTO, with additional time off available as you progress. 
• Mentorship & Professional Development — Clinical support, supervision, mentoring, and opportunities to grow your expertise. 
• Clear Career Path — A career ladder with defined expectations and opportunities for increased compensation, responsibility, and leadership. 
• Meaningful Work — Deliver family-centered care in the homes, schools, and communities where children learn and grow. 
• Paid Meetings — Staff meetings and twice-yearly parent progress meetings are paid time. 
• Continuing Education — Support for ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities. 
• Flexible scheduling 
• Mileage reimbursement 
• Licensure and professional membership support (where applicable) 

You Will Thrive Here If You...

• Believe communication is foundational to a child's ability to connect, learn, and participate. 
• Love working with young children through play and everyday routines. 
• Enjoy partnering with families rather than simply providing therapy to children. 
• Value clinical autonomy while being part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team. 
• Are creative and comfortable adapting your approach to each child and environment. 
• Want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. 
• Are committed to lifelong learning and clinical excellence. 

Finger Lakes Therapy Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee and family feels respected, valued, and supported. 

Flexible work from home options available.