Speech-Language Pathologist – Neurodiversity-Affirming School

Speech-Language Pathologist – Neurodiversity-Affirming SchoolAbout Willowcrest School

Willowcrest School is a progressive private school serving neurodivergent children with autism, ADHD, speech and language differences, sensory-processing differences, and other learning profiles.

Our program brings individualized academics and specialized services together within one highly collaborative school community. Teachers, speech-language professionals, occupational therapists, behavior and regulation specialists, and school leaders work closely to understand each student and support their communication, regulation, independence, relationships, and meaningful participation in school.

We are committed to compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming practices that recognize all forms of communication and build upon each child’s strengths.

The Opportunity

Willowcrest School is seeking a warm, creative, and skilled Speech-Language Pathologist to join our interdisciplinary team. This is an opportunity to provide meaningful, relationship-based therapy in a setting where communication support is integrated into each student’s full school experience.

The Speech-Language Pathologist will provide direct services, collaborate with classroom and clinical teams, and help students develop functional communication, receptive and expressive language, social connection, self-advocacy, and greater participation in school routines.

We are open to discussing full-time, part-time, contract, per-diem, or short-term coverage arrangements based on the candidate’s experience, interests, and availability.

Responsibilities

• Follow a flexible therapeutic model that includes individual therapy, small group therapy, and classroom-based support depending on student needs.
• Assess students’ receptive, expressive, pragmatic, and functional communication skills.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans and measurable goals.
• Provide individual and small-group therapy.
• Support a range of communication styles, including spoken language, gestures, visual supports, and augmentative and alternative communication.
• Embed communication strategies into classroom activities, transitions, play, peer interactions, and daily routines.
• Support students in developing self-advocacy, conversational reciprocity, language comprehension, emotional expression, and meaningful social connection.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, occupational therapists, behavior and regulation specialists, school leaders, and families.
• Participate in interdisciplinary clinical meetings to review student progress and coordinate support.
• Observe students in their classrooms and help staff create communication-accessible environments.
• Model practical, affirming communication strategies for teachers and support staff.
• Maintain timely and accurate therapy notes, progress reports, assessments, and other required documentation.
• Communicate thoughtfully with families and support the generalization of communication strategies across school and home environments.

Qualifications

• Current California Speech-Language Pathologist license in good standing.
• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders.
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence preferred.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain them.
• Experience working with autistic or otherwise neurodivergent children.
• Knowledge of language development, social communication, AAC, and functional communication supports.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary school team.
• School-based or pediatric speech-language therapy experience is strongly preferred.

The Person We’re Looking For

The right candidate approaches children with curiosity, patience, flexibility, and respect. They understand that communication may look different from child to child and that connection and regulation are foundational to language development and learning.

We are especially interested in someone who is collaborative, playful, and comfortable working alongside educators and other clinicians. Our ideal Speech-Language Pathologist values each child’s individual communication profile, follows the student’s interests, and helps children become more confident, effective, and independent communicators.

Why Join Willowcrest?

• Work within a small, relationship centered school community.
• Collaborate closely with educators and clinicians throughout the school day.
• Provide therapy in a setting where recommendations can be implemented consistently.
• Help shape individualized, neurodiversity-affirming communication supports.
• Build meaningful relationships with students and families.
• See communication skills develop and generalize within real classroom and social experiences.

Willowcrest School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to creating a respectful, inclusive, and affirming environment for children, families, and staff.

Pay: $89,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person