Onward Education is a specialized education staffing and talent solutions company that helps educators, therapists, and school health professionals find top jobs with the nation's leading schools. We're partnering with Gardner Public Schools to hire a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for the 2026-2027 school year.

This full-time, onsite opportunity supports students by providing comprehensive speech/language services--including evaluation, treatment, consultation, and collaboration with educators and families. In this role, you'll help students access their curriculum and participate fully in school through evidence-based intervention, IEP support, and communication-focused strategies.

Position Details:
* Location: Onsite in Gardner, MA
* Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday
* Weekly Hours: 37.5 hours per week
* School Year: 2026-2027
* Setting/Role: Elementary SLP - full time
* Start Date: September 2026 (job start date on file: 9/1/2026)
* Employment Type: Contract

Responsibilities:
* Conduct speech-language screenings and comprehensive evaluations (articulation, language, fluency, voice, social communication; and swallowing as applicable in the school setting).
* Interpret assessment results and clearly communicate findings to families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams.
* Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals and service plans aligned with student needs and educational impact.
* Provide individual and/or group therapy using evidence-based practices to address communication needs affecting academic and social participation.
* Support students who use AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication), including device implementation and staff/family coaching as needed.
* Collaborate with special education teams, general education teachers, and related service providers to integrate communication strategies into classroom routines.
* Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, progress reviews, and other team meetings as required.
* Complete progress monitoring, service logs, reports, and documentation in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
* Provide consultation and training to staff and families to reinforce carryover of communication skills across environments.

Qualifications:
* Master's degree (or higher) in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program
* Current/eligible Massachusetts SLP licensure (and school-based credentialing as required for practicing in MA schools)
* Experience in a school setting (or pediatric/education-based clinical experience) preferred
* Knowledge of IDEA, special education eligibility, and IEP processes
* Strong assessment, documentation, communication, and collaboration skills
* Ability to support elementary students with diverse communication needs, including language delays, speech sound disorders, fluency, and social communication

What We Offer:
* Competitive pay and benefits package.
* Access to a wide network of schools and districts for diverse placement options.
* Streamlined hiring process to get you started quickly.
* Ongoing communication and advocacy throughout your placement.
* Personalized support from dedicated recruiting professionals.
* Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Why Apply?
If you're passionate about helping students strengthen communication skills that impact learning and confidence, this is a great opportunity to join a collaborative school team and make a lasting difference.

Ready to Join Us?
Apply today -- we can't wait to hear from you!

If you want, I can also tailor this JD to include caseload notes and any specific requirements (CCC/CFY, testing tools, AAC platforms) if you share them. Please leave a thumbs up/down on this draft so I can match your preferred style even more closely next time.