Speech & Language Pathologist

By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions.

You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion.

You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Speech and Language Pathologist will plan, conduct and evaluate program for assigned patients designed to improve patient's communication skills.

Assess patients with communication problems and dysphagia typically of neurogenic origin, develops a treatment program and modifies treatment in accordance with patient progress.

Instruct patients' progress and maintains clinical records according to established procedures.

The Speech and Language Pathologist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Speech and Language Pathologist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes : Communication, Accountability, Flexibility / Adaptability, Judgment / Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Speech Language Pathologist will :

• Evaluate patient's speech, language and swallowing abilities in order to formulate and conduct treatment plan designed to improve communicative efficiency of patients with communication problems.
• Establish patient treatment goals tailored to each patient's needs and capabilities.
• Review patient's chart, interview patient / family and consult with physicians, audiologists and other relevant clinical professionals in order to evaluate patient condition according to standard procedures.
• Counsel patients, family members / significant others regarding communication deficits and instruct them in proper management techniques.
• Monitor patient progress, re-establish goals and revise treatment, and alert physicians to changes in patient's condition.
• Evaluate patient’s current pain levels (0-10) and history of recent pain experience; provide appropriate pain education and intervention in consultation with physician and pain specialists as needed;

provide ongoing assessment of pain and implementation of tools for management.

• Maintain clinical records including writing diagnostic reports, progress reports, discharge summaries, re-evaluations and rechecks, summarizing family and professional contact and logging daily statistics and other clinical data.
• Attend patient team conferences, clinics, in-service education classes, and meetings in order to gather and exchange patient / treatment information.
• Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager-Innovation Center, Therapy Manager-AbilityLab.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge in diagnoses and types of treatment for speech, language, swallowing and behavior problems of neurologically impaired at a level generally acquired through completion of a Master’s or doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Clinical Specialty Recognition by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or certification in neurological communication disorders by the Academy of Neurological Communication Disorders and Sciences is desired.
• Current Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Current Illinois license as Speech-language Pathologist or Temporary license as Speech-Language Pathologist if in Clinical Fellowship Year.
• Current CPR certification.
• Complete the SRAIS training programs and utilizes SRAIS in performing job duties, as needed
• Understanding the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent, and geriatric patients
• Ability to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients and families in providing treatment and with physicians, audiologist and other closely related clinical professionals in order to gather and exchange patient information.
• Analytical skills necessary to administer and evaluate standardized speech / language tests, evaluate patient capabilities, develop treatment plans and monitor patient progress.
• Ability to adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally, and up to 10 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
• Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
• May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.
• Includes Saturday and Sunday rotation work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ShirleyRyan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.