School Speech-Language Pathologist
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Sheppard Pratt School Gaithersburg

Job Opportunity: Speech Language Pathologist (School)

Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 17 weeks

Job Details

• Specialty: Therapy/Rehabilitation (Speech Language Pathologist)
• Caseload: Approximately 30 students
• Age Group: 15-21 years old (Certificate track)
• Work Schedule: 4 or 5 days per week, typically 8 AM to 4 PM (flexible for the right candidate)
• Session Format: Mainly group and push-in sessions during community outings, job sites, or school activities (e.g., lunch, morning meeting)
• Class Size: Small (~7 students per classroom), making group sessions ideal
• Candidates: Open to Clinical Fellows only if they have strong AAC experience and a strong behavioral background

Experience Requirements

• Years of Specialty Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum 1 year or more based on typical SLP travel roles and preference for strong behavioral and AAC experience
• Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required

Certifications & Licenses Required

• State License: Valid Maryland license with primary source verification
• ASHA Certification: CCC-SLP (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification) required
• BLS: American Heart Association Basic Life Support provider card required
• Other Certifications:

  • ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC as applicable/requested by unit
  • Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training will be done onsite (not applicable for school employees)
• Educational Credentials: State Teaching Certificate or Credential may be required depending on school type
• Mandatory Reporter Training: Required annually for Educational Services staff

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)
• 7-year background check within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Federal background check including all aliases
• Maryland CJIS/DSS/FBI fingerprinting (LiveScan) required at least 10 days prior to start
• Maryland State Sex Offender Registry and Medicaid Exclusion List checks
• Education verification for highest degree obtained (transcript or diploma not accepted as placeholder)
• CPS (Child Protective Services) clearance with notarized consent form required (can start with pending results)
• Criminal background disclosure and informed consent forms to be completed prior to start

Health & Safety Requirements

• Negative TB test (QGOLD or TSPOT) or chest X-ray within 1 year, updated annually
• Annual TB questionnaire required regardless of TB result
• Fit mask (N95 or equivalent) within 1 year of start; can be completed onsite during orientation if needed
• Immunizations/vaccinations required:

  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: 2 vaccines or positive titer (exempt if born before 1957)
  • Hepatitis B series, titer, or declination
  • Varicella: 2 vaccines, titer, or history of chickenpox
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required for all candidates during flu season (October-April); declinations not accepted for healthcare workers
• COVID-19 vaccination proof or declination form required
• Negative 12-panel drug screen within 30 days of start (includes amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, buprenorphine, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, methadone, opioids, oxycodone, phencyclidine)

  • Positive marijuana test is an automatic disqualification

Additional Requirements

• 2 professional references within 2 years of start
• Complete employment application and skills checklist (updated annually)
• Orientation and training manuals must be reviewed and acknowledged prior to start
• Photo for badge (clear headshot on white background) required
• Various facility-specific documents and acknowledgments to be completed prior to start

Summary

This is a travel contract position for a Speech Language Pathologist working with adolescents and young adults in a school setting. The role involves group and push-in therapy sessions with a manageable caseload. Candidates must have appropriate licensure, certifications, and clearances, including fingerprinting and background checks specific to Maryland. Health and immunization requirements are strict, including drug screening and vaccination mandates. Clinical Fellows may be considered if they have strong AAC and behavioral experience.