How to Hire Speech Therapists: A Practical Guide for Small Business Owners

Trying to hire speech therapists for your clinic, school, or care facility? You’re not alone—demand for speech therapy staffing is soaring, and the competition for top talent is fierce. Whether you’re an owner-operator in the Midwest, a franchisee in a bustling city, or the HR lead at a growing pediatric practice, finding and keeping the right people can feel like a never-ending game of musical chairs. Let’s break down the process, add a few real-world tips, and sprinkle in some hard-earned wisdom—because, honestly, who has time for fluff?

Understanding the Speech Therapy Talent Landscape

The Demand Dilemma

First things first: the need for speech therapists is on the rise. According to staffing industry statistics, healthcare and educational sectors are scrambling to recruit speech therapists faster than ever. But why is it so tough? Partly, it’s the specialized training required—these aren’t roles you can fill with just anyone off the street. Plus, as turnover in healthcare and education remains high, the pressure mounts to not just find speech therapists, but to keep them engaged and happy.

What Makes a Great Speech Therapist?

Let me ask you: are you looking for credentials, compassion, or a bit of both? The best candidates combine clinical expertise with genuine empathy. According to Gallup’s research on workplace engagement, employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stick around—no surprise there. So, as you build your hiring plan, think beyond the resume. Consider how you’ll foster a culture where therapists want to grow.

Strategies to Recruit Speech Therapists Who Stick Around

Crafting the Right Job Description

Before you can recruit speech therapists, you need a job posting that stands out. Skip the jargon and focus on what matters to your ideal candidate. Highlight growth opportunities, flexible scheduling, and—if you offer them—benefits that matter. For inspiration, check out these tips for writing clear employee handbooks and best job posting examples tailored for hourly and specialized roles.

• Be specific about required certifications and experience.
• Describe your work environment and team culture.
• Mention any unique perks (like continuing education or mentorship).

Where to Find Speech Therapists

Gone are the days when a “Help Wanted” sign did the trick. Today, successful speech therapy recruitment means meeting candidates where they are—online and on their phones. Platforms like Workstream’s therapist hiring portal make it easy to post jobs, screen applicants, and manage interviews from one dashboard. And don’t underestimate the power of social media—posting on Instagram or Facebook can reach passive candidates who aren’t checking job boards daily. For more on this, see how to use Instagram for hiring.

Screening and Interviewing: More Than a Checkbox

Here’s the thing: a great resume doesn’t always mean a great hire. Use structured interview techniques, like those outlined in the STAR method guide, to dig into real-life scenarios. Ask about challenging cases, teamwork, and how they handle stress. And don’t forget to assess cultural fit—after all, you want someone who’ll mesh with your existing team. If you need help, these cultural fit interview questions are a solid starting point.

Building a Speech Therapy Staffing Pipeline

Retention: The Secret Sauce

Let’s be honest: hiring is only half the battle. Retaining your therapists is where the real savings happen. High turnover is expensive—sometimes up to 200% of an employee’s annual salary goes out the door with each departure. So, what keeps people around? According to DoorDash’s research on benefits and retention, offering health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities can make a huge difference.

Don’t overlook the impact of scheduling, either. Giving therapists some control over their shifts—like what Gap did for its hourly workers—can boost morale and reduce burnout. And if you’re still managing schedules with sticky notes or spreadsheets, it’s time to modernize. Workstream’s integrated scheduling and HR tools can save you hours each week and help prevent costly mistakes.

Compliance and Recordkeeping: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

Speech therapy staffing comes with its share of regulations. From maintaining licensure records to tracking hours for part-time eligibility, you need airtight documentation. The U.S. Department of Labor spells out what you must keep on file. Automating this process, as Workstream’s digital onboarding allows, can help you avoid headaches—and those dreaded surprise audits.

Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Don’t rush the process: The urge to fill a vacancy fast is real, but a bad hire costs more in the long run.
• Stay competitive with pay and benefits: Check out wage comparisons to make sure your offer stacks up.
• Invest in onboarding: A smooth start can cut turnover dramatically. Use these onboarding templates to set new hires up for success.
• Keep communication open: Regular check-ins and feedback—see how to bring out the best in people—help therapists feel heard and valued.
• Leverage technology: Streamline your workflow with platforms built for hourly and specialized hiring, like Workstream’s hiring automation.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to Speech Therapy Staffing Success

Hiring and retaining speech therapists isn’t just about filling a spot on the schedule—it’s about building a team that delivers real results for your clients and your business. If you ask me, the secret is blending smart technology with a human touch. Tools like Workstream’s all-in-one HR suite can take the grunt work off your plate, so you can focus on what matters: nurturing relationships, supporting your staff, and growing your business.

Want to dig deeper? Explore tips for hiring specialized roles, or see how Dunkin’ franchisees improved their hiring process with Workstream. For more on compliance, onboarding, and workforce management, check out our guide to part-time hours and benefits and how to highlight perks in your job descriptions. And if you’re ready to see how technology can help you hire speech therapists faster and smarter, contact Workstream today.