In this ProCare Therapy guide, learn how to identify your district’s needs, the various school therapy roles, and how to make confident hiring decisions that support your staff, your students, and your long-term goals.

First: What Kind of Therapist Does Your District Actually Need?

Before jumping into the hiring process, it’s important to zoom out. Ask yourself:

  • What challenges are our students currently facing?
  • Are there unmet needs in academic, behavioral, or emotional support?
  • Is our current therapy staff overstretched or missing key specialties?
  • Are we in need of full-time, part-time, or contract-based help?

You can gather insights by reviewing IEP data, analyzing behavioral and academic trends, consulting with teachers and administrators, and even conducting surveys. This helps you understand the type of professional you’re looking for so that you can focus your search.

Understanding the Types of School-Based Therapy Professionals

Each type of therapist brings a unique set of skills to your school community. Here’s a quick breakdown of common school-based therapy roles and the general responsibilities of each:

School Psychologists

School psychologists are great for districts looking to strengthen their special education services or address mental health at a systems level.

  • Assess learning and behavioral challenges
  • Conduct evaluations for IEPs
  • Provide counseling and behavioral interventions
  • Consult with teachers and families

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

SLPs are essential for early intervention and academic success, especially in younger grades.

  • Help students with speech, language, and communication disorders
  • Support reading comprehension and social interaction
  • Serve students with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent profiles

Occupational Therapists (OTs)

OTs help students with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, or physical disabilities.

  • Help students improve fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care tasks
  • Support classroom accommodations and adaptive strategies

School Social Workers

School social workers can support districts with a high-need population or students facing systemic barriers.

  • Support students facing trauma, family issues, or housing instability
  • Provide crisis intervention and connect families with resources
  • Address chronic absenteeism and behavior challenges

School Counselors

School counselors are a must-have in promoting whole-child wellness and college/career readiness.

  • Address academic, career, and social/emotional development
  • Help students manage stress, anxiety, and peer relationships
  • Lead Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs and focus on teaching competencies like relationship skills and responsible decision-making

The Hiring Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve identified your needs and narrowed your focus, it’s time to hire smart. Here’s a streamlined roadmap:

1. Craft a Compelling Job Description

Write a job description that outlines not just the requirements, but also your district’s specific needs. What makes your school community special? Why would a therapist want to be part of your team?

Be specific about the population and challenges. Instead of using vague language about “supporting diverse learners,” specify “working with our growing population of English language learners with speech-language needs” or “supporting students with sensory processing challenges in inclusive classroom settings.”

2. Ask the Right Interview Questions

Go beyond resumes. The interview should give you genuine insight into how a therapist would function in your specific environment. Use interviews to assess not only a professional’s experience and background but also their collaboration style or how they would respond to real scenarios your district faces.

3. Consider Fit and Flexibility

Finding the right professional means considering your school’s culture. Look beyond technical qualifications to assess their approach to supporting students or problem solving, communication style, interpersonal skills, or comfort level collaborating with teachers, staff, and families.

Not sure what you need long term? Try a contract model, where you work with a therapist for a set period.

4. Lean on a Specialized Partner

Let’s face it—recruiting, screening, and onboarding therapy professionals can be a full-time job. That’s why many districts turn to specialized staffing agencies like ProCare Therapy. We bring:

  • A network of qualified, licensed school therapy professionals
  • Experience matching therapists to school-specific needs
  • Support with credentialing, compliance, and onboarding
  • Options for full-time, part-time, remote, hybrid, and contract roles

Tailored Therapy Staffing for Your District

By understanding your priorities, exploring the variety of school therapy roles, and partnering with a trusted staffing agency like ProCare Therapy, you can build a stronger, more supportive foundation for student success.

Need help finding the right fit for your district? Let ProCare Therapy guide you through the process and help your district find the professionals your students deserve.