Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) – Pediatrics
Job Description
Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization:
Speech Pathology - Support StaJob Summary:
Provides treatment to patients, with some guidance of a Speech-Language Pathologist, CCC-SLP..
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) – Outpatient Pediatrics
Work Schedule
Full-Time | Monday–Friday
Typically 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, with occasional variation based on clinic needs
Location
Vanderbilt Health Bill Wilkerson Center: Medical Center East, South Tower, 1215 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232
Job Summary
Vanderbilt Health is seeking a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) to support our growing outpatient pediatric speech therapy program. Working under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP), this role combines direct patient care with program support responsibilities that help deliver exceptional therapy services to children and families.
This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in pediatric speech-language pathology through individual and group therapy support, treatment preparation, patient interaction, and clinic operations. It is particularly well-suited for candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders who are interested in building clinical experience prior to pursuing graduate education.
Why You'll Love This Role
• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule with no weekends
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists
• Meaningful interaction with children and families
• Exposure to both individual and group therapy settings
• Collaborative, team-oriented outpatient environment
• Excellent experience for individuals considering a future Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Opportunity to develop clinical, organizational, and patient care skills within a nationally recognized healthcare system
Who Does Well in This Role
This role may be a strong fit for candidates who:
• Enjoy working with children and families in a healthcare setting
• Are organized, dependable, and detail-oriented
• Thrive in collaborative, team-based environments
• Enjoy balancing direct patient interaction with behind-the-scenes support activities
• Take pride in helping programs run efficiently and effectively
• Are interested in gaining valuable pediatric rehabilitation experience
• Are considering future graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology
Key Responsibilities
• Provide speech-language therapy treatment to pediatric patients under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
• Assist with pediatric group therapy sessions and activities
• Prepare, organize, and maintain therapy materials and treatment resources
• Document treatment sessions and patient interactions accurately and promptly
• Educate patients, families, and members of the healthcare team under the guidance of the supervising SLP
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized treatment rooms and group therapy spaces
• Manage inventory and stock therapy materials, supplies, and program resources
• Support clinic operations and special projects as needed
• Assist in creating a positive, engaging, and patient-centered therapy environment
What to Expect
• Approximately 30% direct patient care
• Regular participation in pediatric group therapy programs
• Significant involvement in treatment preparation, therapy resources, and clinical support activities
• Close collaboration with Speech-Language Pathologists and interdisciplinary team members
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, or related field
• Eligibility to practice as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in Tennessee
Preferred
• SLPA certification
• Experience working with pediatric patients
• Experience supporting group therapy programs
• Interest in pursuing graduate education in Speech-Language Pathology
Work Environment
This position is based in an outpatient pediatric rehabilitation setting serving children and families with a variety of communication needs. The team values collaboration, compassion, accountability, and excellence in patient care. Successful candidates will be willing to support both direct therapy services and the operational needs that help create an exceptional patient experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides treatment as specified on the written treatment plan by the Speech-Language Pathologist.
Provides education to patient, family, health care team and community.
Completes timely documentation.
The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Rehab PTA/COTA Patient Documentation (Novice): Demonstrates sufficient proficiency in communicating functional impact of assessment findings, treatment interventions, treatment planning diagnosis, and disease process. Considers the communication needs/level of understanding of audience and may share appropriate information/literature.
Speech Pathology Patient & Family Education (Fundamental Awareness): Demonstrates proficiency in communicating functional impact of assessment findings, treatment interventions, treatment planning diagnosis, and disease process. Considers the communication needs/level of understanding of audience and may share appropriate information/literature.
Treatment Planning (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with treatment planning.
Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.
These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health’s reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.
Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Core Accountabilities:
* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Relevant Work ExperienceExperience Level :
Less than 1 yearEducation:
Bachelor's (Required)This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.