Speech-Language Pathologist -Part Time - Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, 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 SRAbilityLab.

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 or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required.
• 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.

In addition to the essential functions outlined in the standard Speech Language Pathologist job description, role-specific expectations include:

Clinical Practice & Care Delivery

• Practice within the Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP) model, delivering evidence-based, person-centered assessment and intervention for individuals with aphasia, integrating all components of the A-FROM framework (impairment, participation, environment, and personal factors).
• Provide multimodal, functionally relevant interventions that: Address language impairment and communication function (reading, writing, comprehension, expression) Target activity and participation goals (e.g., functional communication, life participation, social engagement) Incorporate personally meaningful goals based on patient values, identity, and life roles
• Utilize and integrate evidence-based aphasia approaches in individual and group settings to address underlying linguistic impairment or communication function
• Incorporate environmental modifications and communication supports (e.g., written key words, visual supports, AAC strategies) to optimize patient participation in the plan of care
• Apply strong clinical reasoning to align patient-centered care, neuroplasticity principles, and dosing/intensity

Programmatic Contributions

• Support the ICAP mission of providing the highest quality of aphasia care through:
• Consistent use of current, high-quality evidence
• Participation in research, education, quality improvement, and clinical standardization initiatives
• Contributions to team meetings and participant-conferences
• Collaborate with patients, families, ICAP clinicians and program manager to: Provide education and communication partner training
• Facilitate carryover across environments (home, community, vocational settings) through tailored discharge and home practice recommendations
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to evolving clinical, operational, and programmatic needs within the program
• Contribute to onboarding, mentorship, and knowledge dissemination to support team development and new ICAP clinicians
• Complete all program documentation per established timelines

Preferred Knowledge and Experience (Enhanced)

• Advanced clinical knowledge in evidence-based assessment and intervention for aphasia , including impairment-focused and participation-focused approaches aligned with the A-FROM model.
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Communication partner training and supported communication approaches
• Intensive and neuroplasticity-informed treatment models (e.g., high-dose, high-frequency interventions)
• Strong clinical reasoning skills, including the ability to:
• Integrate diagnosis-specific prognosis
• Select appropriate treatment approaches, intensity, and outcome measures
• Support discharge planning that prioritizes continued participation and quality of life
• Experience working with aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders

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.

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.

Pay and Benefits*

Pay Range

$68,000.00 - $120,000.00

Benefits

• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits
• *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.