Tacoma, WA - Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

Thrive Therapies; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO + sick leave

Professional development stipend

Sign-on bonus

Retention bonus

Licensure fees reimbursed

Malpractice coverage

No non-compete

Job summary

Thrive Therapies in Tacoma, WA is seeking a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) to support K-12 students under a licensed SLP. You will deliver structured therapy, collect data, and help students achieve communication goals with supervised guidance.

You'll implement evidence-based programs for articulation, language, fluency, and voice, collaborate with teachers and specialists, and ensure confidentiality in line with ASHA ethics. A degree and state SLPA credential are required.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences or related field.
• State SLPA registration, licensure, or certification as required by the state.
• Completion of ASHA-required academic coursework and clinical observation hours.
• Clear background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements.

Responsibilities

• Implement SLP-designed therapy programs for articulation, language, fluency, and voice disorders.
• Conduct one-on-one and small-group therapy sessions using evidence-based techniques and protocols established by the supervising SLP.
• Collect precise session data and maintain detailed progress notes; communicate findings to the supervising SLP.
• Support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use and assistive technology implementation per SLP direction.
• Assist with language-screening procedures and data collection under SLP supervision.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and special education staff to generalize communication skills across school settings.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ASHA ethical guidelines for SLPAs.

Skills

Data collection

Communication

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Bilingual capability

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences or related field

State SLPA registration/licensure/certification

ASHA coursework and clinical observation hours

Background check clearance/immunization per district

Tools

AAC devices

Assistive technology

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

As an SLPA, you work under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist to implement speech and language therapy activities for students K-12. You deliver structured intervention, collect data, and support students in achieving their communication goals under the guidance of your supervising SLP.

POSITION SUMMARY

As an SLPA, you work under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist to implement speech and language therapy activities for students K-12. You deliver structured intervention, collect data, and support students in achieving their communication goals under the guidance of your supervising SLP.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement SLP-designed therapy programs for students with articulation, language, fluency, and voice disorders
• Conduct one-on-one and small-group therapy sessions using evidence-based techniques and protocols established by the supervising SLP
• Collect precise session data and maintain detailed progress notes; communicate findings to the supervising SLP
• Support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use and assistive technology implementation per SLP direction
• Assist with language-screening procedures and data collection under SLP supervision
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and special education staff to generalize communication skills across school settings
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ASHA ethical guidelines for SLPAs

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences or related field
• State SLPA registration, licensure, or certification as required by the assigned state
• Completion of ASHA-required academic coursework and clinical observation hours
• Clear background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior school-based SLPA experience (1+ years)
• Experience working with children with autism, language disorders, and articulation delays
• Bilingual capability (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese)
• Interest in pursuing full SLP licensure - Thrive provides support for your pathway

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive W-2 salary, based on credentials, experience, and location (see job posting for exact range)
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective your first day
• 401(k) with company match
• 10 days PTO + paid sick leave
• Professional development stipend ($750+ annually) for CEUs, conferences, and certifications
• $2,000 sign-on bonus (paid at 90 days)
• $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed
• State SLPA registration/certification dues and state licensure fees fully reimbursed
• Malpractice and professional liability coverage provided by Thrive
• No non-compete clause - we earn your loyalty by being a place worth staying