Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) | Early Intervention

The Arc Of The Ozarks; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ADOS training

CEU support

Paid licensure fees

Medical, dental, vision, and life

403(b) retirement plan

Retirement match up to 4%

Vacation and sick-time

Seven paid holidays

Professional licensure fees paid

Malpractice insurance

Annual wage-increase potential

Employee wellness program

Job summary

The Arc of the Ozarks is seeking a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist to join a specialized early-intervention and diagnostic team serving children ages 2–3 in Springfield, Missouri.

You will conduct dynamic observations and play-based assessments, develop individualized goals, collaborate with psychologists, behavior analysts, and other therapy professionals, and coach parents in practical communication strategies to support daily routines and learning.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Ability to assess and engage young children through play and natural interaction.
• Clear written communication and timely documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct dynamic observations and structured speech-language assessments.
• Use play-based engagement to evaluate communication, language, interaction, imitation, and social-development skills.
• Develop and implement individualized goals supporting functional communication and early language acquisition.
• Provide parent and caregiver coaching to help families incorporate communication strategies into daily routines.
• Collaborate with the diagnostic and treatment team for coordinated services.

Skills

Play-based assessment

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Family coaching

Education

Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Job description

Quick Snapshot

• Starting salary:$62,400 annually
• Employment type:Full-time, salaried/exempt
• Schedule:Monday–Friday
• Location:Springfield, Missouri
• Population:Children ages 2–3 with emerging communication skills
• Professional development:ADOS training, CEU support, and paid licensure fees
• Clinical Fellows:May be considered based on supervision availability

Help Young Children Build the Foundation for Communication

The Arc of the Ozarks is seeking a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist to join a specialized early-intervention and diagnostic team serving children ages 2–3.

Many of the children entering this program have limited functional communication and little or no previous therapy experience. Through play, observation, assessment, caregiver partnership, and individualized intervention, you will help children begin developing the communication skills that support future learning, relationships, and independence.

This role is well suited for an SLP who enjoys early language development, play-based clinical work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting families during a pivotal stage of their child’s development.

Why This Role Matters

Early communication support can shape how a child connects with family members, expresses needs, participates in daily routines, and approaches future learning.

In this position, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work intensively with children during an important developmental stage
• Combine treatment with dynamic, play-based assessment
• Contribute communication expertise to interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluations
• Collaborate with psychologists, behavior analysts, and other therapy professionals
• Coach parents and caregivers on practical communication strategies
• Receive training in ADOS administration when needed

What You’ll Do

• Conduct dynamic observations and structured speech-language assessments.
• Use play-based engagement to evaluate communication, language, interaction, imitation, and social-development skills.
• Develop and implement individualized goals supporting functional communication, early language acquisition, joint engagement, imitation, and social communication.
• Contribute clinical observations and communication findings to interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluations.
• Participate in ADOS administration when appropriately trained and applicable to the evaluation.
• Provide parent and caregiver coaching to help families incorporate communication strategies into everyday routines.
• Collaborate with members of the diagnostic and treatment team to provide coordinated, child-centered services.
• Maintain timely and accurate evaluations, treatment notes, progress documentation, and other required records.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development related to early intervention, autism, diagnostics, and pediatric communication.

Schedule, Location and Pay

Additional information regarding typical daily hours, caseload expectations, and any local travel requirements will be discussed during the interview process.

• Starting salary:$62,400 annually
• Employment classification:Full-time, salaried/exempt
• Schedule:Monday–Friday
• Primary location:Springfield, Missouri

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program
• Current Missouri Speech-Language Pathology license in good standing or eligibility for the appropriate Missouri license
• Ability to assess and engage young children through play and natural interaction
• Ability to work collaboratively with families and an interdisciplinary clinical team
• Clear written communication and timely documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, or CCC-SLP
• Experience working with toddlers or young children
• Early-intervention or pediatric speech-language experience
• Experience supporting children with emerging, limited, or nonspeaking communication
• Experience participating in autism evaluations
• Previous ADOS training

ADOS training is not required to apply. Training will be provided for the selected candidate when needed.

Clinical Fellows may be considered based on current supervision availability.

Benefits and Professional Support

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance eligibility with no waiting period
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• Immediate eligibility to enroll in the 403(b) retirement plan
• Employer retirement match of up to 4% after one year of service
• Vacation and sick-time accrual
• Seven paid holidays each year
• A paid day off to celebrate your birthday
• CEU reimbursement and approved time away for continuing education
• Paid professional licensure fees
• Employer-provided malpractice insurance
• ADOS and role-specific professional training
• Fleet vehicle access or mileage reimbursement when applicable
• Annual wage-increase potential
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee wellness program
• Discounted fitness-center membership
• Verizon and AT&T phone-plan discounts
• Opportunities for continued professional growth and advancement

Why Join The Arc of the Ozarks?

The Arc of the Ozarks supports individuals with disabilities in directing their own lives as valued members of the community.

As part of our clinical team, you will bring specialized communication expertise to children and families while working alongside professionals who share a commitment to individualized, respectful, and coordinated support.

The Arc of the Ozarks welcomes qualified Speech-Language Pathologists and eligible Clinical Fellows who are interested in early intervention, pediatric communication, and interdisciplinary diagnostic services.