Speech and Language Pathologist

Common Threads is looking for a healing-focused, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive speech language pathologist to join our growing team.

Common Threads is a medium-sized nonprofit organization located on the East side of Madison. Our mission is to empower individuals with autism, mental health, and sensory differences by providing meaningful support to them and their families. We accomplish this by offering a variety of evidence-based, personalized therapeutic and educational services built on an individual's strengths, needs, and goals.

The Common Threads School Program offers alternative placement for students in the greater Madison area who require intensive supports and a smaller learning environment to develop critical skills for successful participation across school settings.

We would love you to join our transdisciplinary educational team that combines highly individualized instructional and therapeutic approaches specifically designed for students with autism, complex communication needs, and sensory regulation needs. Capitalizing on individual strengths and interests, the curriculum is designed to equip students with the foundational learning skills and the supports they need in order to access the educational opportunities provided in the general school and community settings with long-term success.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) plays a critical role in supporting the communication, social interaction, and language development of neurodivergent students within the Common Threads School Program. This position is embedded within a transdisciplinary team and focuses on facilitating meaningful communication strategies that align with neuroaffirming practices, honoring diverse forms of expression while ensuring access to supportive tools and strategies for each student.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assess and support students' communication and language skills
• Provide individual/group sessions targeting speech, language, social communication, and AAC
• Implement intervention strategies and facilitate student independence
• Monitor safety while promoting independence across environments
• Work with teachers and support staff to embed consistent strategies
• Participate in transdisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with specialists
• Train staff and families on effective communication techniques
• Coordinate with external providers and community resources
• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with student goals
• Write clear, data-driven progress reports
• Collect and analyze data to adjust intervention strategies
• Prepare the classroom before and after student sessions
• Create visual supports and instructional materials
• Maintain professionalism and student confidentiality
• Advocate for and provide neuro-affirming practices
• Engage in ongoing professional development

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Completes other assignments and projects to meet business needs.

BUSINESS CONTACTS

• Caregivers, school district representatives, community service providers, and occasionally outside agencies or professionals involved in student support plans.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree (or higher) from an accredited program in Speech Language Pathology.
• Current state license that allows you to practice Speech Therapy within the state of Wisconsin or, in some cases, an ability to successfully demonstrate that you are working towards a WI state license.
• Enthusiasm for working with Autistics and other Neurodivergents, and a commitment to continuous growth in your understanding of autistic and neurodivergent neurology
• Reliable transportation and car insurance with liability limits no less than $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 property damage (required by our insurance) are preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Speech-Language Pathology - Expertise in communication differences, AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication), and interventions suited for non-traditional learning environments.
• Developmental & Educational Psychology - Knowledge of how students develop communication skills within diverse learning settings.
• Behavior as Communication - Understanding that all behaviors communicate unmet needs, requiring flexible, individualized supports rather than traditional behavioral management.
• Flexible & Adaptive Communication Approaches - Ability to adjust interventions based on student needs, emotional regulation, and daily variability in engagement.
• Facilitating Student Independence - Supporting self-advocacy, sensory regulation, and executive functioning skills in a non-traditional classroom structure.
• Relationship-Based Intervention - Building trust and connection with students to create a safe, communication-rich environment.
• Team Collaboration & Coaching - Partnering with educators, therapists, and caregivers to integrate communication strategies throughout the school day.
• Empathy & Patience in Non-Traditional Learning - Recognizing that progress may be non-linear and that student engagement varies daily.
• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving - Adjusting support strategies on the fly to match individual student needs and energy levels.
• High Tolerance for Ambiguity & Change - Thriving in a flexible environment where student needs dictate daily structure.
• Commitment to Student-Led, Strengths-Based Approaches - Recognizing students as the experts on their own communication and supporting their autonomy.

OTHER

• The schedule is Monday through Friday, with a full workday that includes a half-hour lunch break.
• During the one year term, the employee will work the school-designated calendar, including training and professional development days.
• In the event of snow days, staff may be requested to work onsite if conditions are safe near the school. If conditions are not safe for onsite work, staff may be asked to complete certain tasks or projects from home to make progress on work that requires additional time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to sit for long periods of time and use a computer keyboard, monitor, mouse, and telephone. The employee must also be able to maintain standing and alternative seating positions throughout the day, which allow for prompt response to client needs. The employee may need to walk expediently, run, and have the physical ability to escort and/or restrain clients as necessary. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The employee may occasionally travel on company business using various modes of transportation (airplane, bus, tax train, rental car, etc.) and must have the ability to travel with no restrictions. The employee is required to have the following specific vision abilities: close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, although conversations can be heard. The office offers a casual, collaborative environment that houses a vibrant and fun workforce. Common Threads works hard to foster a positive healthy and anti-racist and anti-bigoted work environment that is inclusive to all backgrounds.

The job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform other related duties as may be required by the executive director, managers and/or supervisors.

Common Threads is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, Common Threads complies with laws prohibiting discrimination against employees or qualified applicants for employment in hiring or in any decision affecting job status or pay on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, religion, color, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, cultural differences, ancestry, physical appearance, arrest record or conviction record, military participation or membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States, or political beliefs, or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or or local laws.

Common Threads and all subcontractors agree not to discriminate on the basis of disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Wisconsin Statutes secs. 111.321 and 111.34, and Chapter 19 of the Dane County Code of Ordinances.