Small Talk Therapeutic Services
Type
Clinical
Location
In person
Time Commitment
Full-time, Part-time, PRN
Setting
Early Intervention, Preschool
Description
Small Talk Therapeutics is a values-driven, therapist-owned practice committed to neurodiversity-affirming, child-led, and strength-based care. We're proud to offer a flexible, supportive environment where SLPs can grow professionally while maintaining work-life balance. In this role, you'll work with young children (primarily birth to five), empowering families and supporting communication through connection and play—not compliance.
This is a flexible, pay-per-visit position with access to a 2,000+ student waitlist, meaning you can build a caseload that fits your life. While you're in control of your schedule, you're never on your own—our team provides mentorship, collaboration, and community through in-person observations, monthly trainings, and access to a clinic space stocked with shared materials.
We’re seeking clinicians who value authenticity, kindness, and open-mindedness, and who are passionate about supporting children in a way that honors their individuality. If you’re organized, relationship-driven, and excited to grow with a team that truly gets it, Small Talk might be the place for you.
Skills And Competencies
We’re looking for someone who really aligns with our core values of acceptance, open-mindedness, kindness, and authenticity. While we’re happy to provide mentorship and training—especially around AAC and neurodiversity-affirming care—we want someone who’s truly passionate about child-led, strength-based support and excited to grow in that approach.
The ideal candidate is organized and self-directed, comfortable managing their own schedule and planning travel between sessions. We also value strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and someone who enjoys building real connections with families and teammates. If you're eager to keep learning and want to be part of a values-driven, supportive practice, we’d love to meet you.
Required Qualifications
State licenses: PA
CCCs required: Yes
Other required qualifications:
In addition to a valid state license (or provisional license for Clinical Fellows) and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), we also require traditional education clearances, including background checks and child abuse clearances, in compliance with state and school-based service requirements.
Employment
1099
Compensation
Pay per visit
Pay Rate
$85–$95/hour
Informed Pay
$54–$65/hr
Median Pay and Range
Our current full-time SLPs in this position and location typically take home between $2,300 and $2,800 per week in billable income. This range reflects their weekly earnings based on direct, billable hours and does not include unpaid time off. On average, full-time therapists take approximately four weeks off per year, so annual income will vary slightly depending on individual schedules and caseload capacity.
The median weekly take-home pay for full-time therapists in this role is approximately $2,550.
Full Pay Rate for All Hours Worked?
No.
We do not pay the full listed rate for all working hours. The hourly rate of $85–$95 applies specifically to direct, billable time, including treatment, evaluations, and consultations. We do not reimburse for client cancellations, regardless of notice, or for non-billable tasks such as travel or communication outside of sessions. However, consultations and meetings listed in an IEP or IFSP are considered billable under this position. We are transparent about this from the start and offer strong mentorship and streamlined systems to help our therapists maximize their billable hours.
Client Availability and Impact on Pay
The hours listed are not guaranteed, as this is a pay-per-visit position. SLPs are only paid for direct sessions and other billable time. If a client cancels or the caseload is not full, pay will reflect only the billable hours worked. That said, the position has a very large waitlist of over 2,000 students, so we are confident in our ability to provide a caseload that aligns with each SLP’s preferences and availability. We also have clear policies in place to protect our therapists from frequent cancellations—providers are able to give a case back after three consecutive cancellations. Make-up sessions are typically easy to schedule, and we are proactive in supporting staff to build a sustainable, full caseload without burnout.
Pay Rate Determiners
The listed pay range is $85–$95 per hour. The starting rate of $85 per hour is typically offered to new SLPs who may require additional mentorship and support from the owners. However, we are committed to professional growth and provide opportunities to increase this rate as skills and independence develop.
Clinicians with a few years of experience and a demonstrated passion for child-led, strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming care are generally offered a starting rate closer to $95 per hour. Additional factors that influence starting pay include availability and caseload. For example, therapists who are able to join us full-time are more likely to receive a higher starting rate, as we are eager to invest in those committed to growing with our team.
Benefits
1099 contractors are eligible for voluntary benefits that come out of their pay stubs. The voluntary benefits can cover short-term disability, vision, and dental (in any combination needed, you can pick/choose).
Stipends (taxed)
Not applicable.
Reimbursements (untaxed)
Not applicable. But contractors have access to our clinic space, which has testing materials, toys, books, and other materials for treatment sessions.
Schedule
This is a Monday through Friday position, but there are no set clock-in or clock-out times. Contractors have the flexibility to create their own schedule based on their availability and desired caseload. We support autonomy while maintaining consistency for clients and families.
Additional Work Hours
No after hours commitments.
PTO
Not applicable, as this is a 1099 pay-per-visit position.
However, we value and support work-life balance and trust our contractors to communicate directly with their clients regarding time off. We do not require notice for short periods away, but we do ask to be informed if you'll be taking more than one week off, so we can pause non-essential communications and respect your time. Our culture prioritizes flexibility and autonomy while maintaining consistency of care for families.
Holidays
No holiday commitments.
Productivity Requirements
No productivity requirements.
Caseload Cap
We do not have a strict caseload cap, as contractors are empowered to determine the number of clients they take on based on their availability and personal capacity. While we fully support this autonomy, we also provide guidance based on our experience in the field and offer honest input about what caseload sizes may lead to potential burnout. Our goal is to help each team member build a sustainable, fulfilling workload that aligns with both their professional and personal needs.
Dedicated Space
No: home health
Parental Leave Policy
1099 contractors are eligible for voluntary benefits that come out of their pay stubs, which can be used to cover maternity leave.
We fully support our staff in taking the time they need to be with their families and are flexible with return-to-work planning to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.
Does the Contract Include a Non-compete or Non-solicitation?
No.
Clinical Fellowship
CFs cannot be 1099s. More info here.
We do occasionally hire CFs as W2 employees, however. You may apply for details.
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