Speech-Language Pathologist at Northwestern Illinois Association

Northwestern Illinois Association (NIA) is a regional governmental agency dedicated to providing special education support to 68 school districts across Northwestern Illinois. Our mission is to partner with schools to meet the unique needs of students, and we empower our team with professional growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and a values-driven culture. 

The Speech Language Pathologist works 180 days per year for 7.5 hours per day and earns $57,469 - $101,985 depending on experience. 

As an SLP with NIA, you will develop and implement individualized education/treatment programs for students whose ability to communicate has been impacted by developmental differences, disabilities, or injuries.

Speech Language Pathologist Job Duties

• Provide direct speech and language services: Deliver therapy and interventions to students in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to address communication disorders.
• Collaborate with educational staff: Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other specialists to develop and implement strategies that support students' speech, language, and communication development.
• Maintain accurate records: Document all services, assessments, and interventions provided, ensuring compliance with district and state requirements.
• Participate in IEP meetings: Offer expertise in speech and language assessments, goal setting, and progress monitoring to ensure students receive appropriate accommodations and support.
• Engage in professional development: Stay informed on current best practices in speech-language pathology, special education, and related fields by attending workshops and training sessions.

Speech Language Pathologist Benefits:

• Group Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance: Available for employees working 0.75 FTE or more, with PPO and HSA options.
• Defined-Benefit Pension Plans: As a local governmental agency, NIA SLPs participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS), providing a stable, defined-benefit pension that ensures financial security in retirement.
• Learn at https://www.trsil.org/
• Additional Retirement Savings Options: NIA also offers access to 403(b) and 457 retirement savings plans. These are optional, employee-funded plans that provide additional opportunities for tax-advantaged savings, helping you build a more robust retirement strategy.
• Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave: Based on the number of days worked.
• Telemedicine: Access to 1800MD telemedicine services at no cost.
• Summer Work Opportunities: Opportunities to pick up additional summer work and earn extra pay.
• Summers Off with Year-Round Pay 
• $3,000 Signing Bonus
• Expert Feedback and Evaluation: Receive guidance and evaluation from leaders who understand your expertise
• Ready Access to Equipment and Testing Materials
• Ongoing Professional Development: Enhance your knowledge and skills for school-based services
• Collaborative Environment: Engage in monthly meetings, roundtable discussions, and collaboration time with colleagues
• Regular 1:1 Check-Ins: Stay connected with your leaders through regular check-ins and team meetings
• Mission-Driven: We are deeply committed to partnering with schools to meet the unique needs of students, making a real difference in their lives every day.
• Leadership in Education: Serving 68 school districts across Northern Illinois, NIA is recognized as a leader in providing exceptional special education support.
• Innovation: We continuously improve our services and embrace new technologies to enhance education and meet the evolving needs of our students.
• Employee-Focused: We invest in your growth with professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment, and recognition of your contributions.
• Quality of Life: Live and work in Northern Illinois, known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and easy access to Chicago.

Speech Language Pathologist   Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Illinois Speech-Language Pathology license (Required)
• Illinois School Board of Education Professional Educator’s License (PEL), Illinois School Support Personnel with Speech-Language Pathology Endorsement (Required)
• We are open to helping you with this if you are certified by the Department of Education in another state.  
• Proficiency with school-based technology and office equipment, including computers and specialized software applications like Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Compensation details: 42.56-80.94 Hourly Wage

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