What is an SLP (speech-language pathologist)?
Speech-language pathologists (also known as SLPs or speech therapists) are professionals who are highly trained in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders. SLPs work with people of all ages who struggle with making sounds (articulation), producing and understanding language, and issues related to vocal quality, fluency (stuttering), and swallowing and feeding. SLPs who “have their C’s” are holders of the Certificate of Clinical Competence, a credential issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association that assures a level of clinical excellence. Every SLP at The Hello Foundation is licensed in their state of residence and the state they are practicing in, and holds their CCC.
What is an SLPA (speech-language pathology assistant)?
Speech-language pathology assistants are support personnel who have completed coursework, fieldwork, and on-the-job training related to speech-language pathology. They must be directly supervised by a licensed SLP and may be certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (C-SLPA) and/or licensed by individual states. Check out our free Workload Responsibilities for SLPs, SLPAs, and EAs resource for more information about 15 of the most common responsibilities of a school speech-language pathology team and who can perform each one — the SLP, the SLPA, or the EA.
What is a school psychologist?
School psychologists are specially trained school staff who provide direct and consultative support for students, teachers, school administrators, families, and community partners. School psychologists may be certified by the National Association of School Psychologists and/or licensed by their individual state(s). Check out this blog post by our Lead School Psychologist, Laura, for more information about all of the things school psychs do.
What is an OT (occupational therapist)?
Occupational therapists (or OTs) are professionals who are highly trained in the assessment and treatment of issues related to the performance of everyday activities. OTs work with people of all ages and abilities to help them fully participate and gain independence in all aspects of daily life, including dressing, feeding, and work-related skills. Some OTs also specialize in issues related to the hands or issues related to sensory processing. OTs may earn both Board Certification and/or Speciality Certification from the American Occupational Therapy Association. Check out this fun 10 Things Occupational Therapists Do downloadable for more information.
Are you hiring for SLPs, SLPAs, school psychologists, or OTs?
Yes! Please visit our Work for Hello page for our current job postings.
When considering hiring, what do you look for in a specialist?
We want to know what is important to you as a clinician, professionally and personally. We look for folks who ask smart questions, who are curious, who are open to tackling challenges and dynamic problem-solving. We are not interested in someone who already knows almost everything. We love the folks that are strong enough to ask for help. Our consistent delivery of superior service comes from staff with passionate whys and a belief in the power of service within the schools and in our clinic. Candidates must be a good fit for our culture of collaboration, sharing, energy, and learning.
How do I bring a Hello specialist to my district?
Reach out and say Hello! Fill out our contact form and let us know a little about yourself, your staffing challenge, and what sort of solution you're looking for. We'll then work with you to figure out which of our models is the best fit, set up interviews with our staff, and help them get settled in seeing students ASAP.
Why do school districts and ESDs contact you for help?
High workloads for staff, family leaves, and staff vacancies can all result in the need for administrators to contact us for assistance. In addition, many districts have had unfavorable experiences with other contracting companies and are looking to try something different. They are attracted to working with us because they are committed to superior services for kids and are aware of our reputation for being easy to work with, transparent, and for having consistently excellent specialists on staff.
How do you ensure the highest quality of service to students and districts?
We dedicate resources to delivering quality service at every level of our organization. First, we work to understand district and building priorities before a contract is signed so that our specialists enter their placements ready to be effective team members. Then, while our specialists are in your district, we provide site supervision to ensure they are meeting both our high expectations and the needs of the workload. We further support our clinicians and the work they do with ongoing free continuing education and a vibrant online community that is always available for collaboration. Finally, our conversations with districts and specialists don’t stop when the contract is signed. Our Leadership Team is available to answer phone calls and emails every day and prides itself on prompt, clear, and meaningful communication.
Do you charge different rates/fees for different types of tasks performed by your specialists in the schools?
We charge a flat hourly rate for our services and there are no hidden fees for different types of tasks performed. The rate will depend on the type of specialist providing the service (SLP, school psychologist, occupational therapist, SLPA). Our specialists manage their entire caseload, including evaluations, paperwork, and meetings.
What technology does our district need for teletherapy to work in our school?
Your students will need access to
- a computer and/or tablet with a camera attached and speakers
- headphones
- a good internet connection (high-speed is best).
We listen to district IT department and use the platform of their choice.