Speech Pathologist - Speech and Swallowing Clinic, Registry

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a PRN/Registry Speech Pathologist. Here you will work alongside our Speech Pathology team. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area. The PRN/Registry position will require regular weekend rotations (1-2 weekends per month) and occasional weekdays (if applicant is available).

Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Director of Therapy Services, provide speech pathology services (consultation, evaluation, and therapy) in an acute care hospital. Provide prompt and efficient attention to patient needs. Manage and perform administrative duties related to the clinical role.

Our specialized team provides state-of-the-art diagnostic services, such as oropharyngeal motility studies or FEES, both used to ascertain a patient’s ability to swallow. Applicant should have at least 2-3 years of experience managing swallowing disorders in acute care facilities, with varied populations, including disorders related to neurogenic diseases and complex medical conditions. Experience in the areas of neurogenic speech and language disorders desired in addition to experience in the area of swallowing disorders related to head and neck cancer.

• Evaluate inpatient and outpatient customers with communication and swallowing disorders; plan and provide speech/language and/or swallowing therapy to meet patient care needs.
• Write daily progress notes and electronic documentation for each patient contact, keep electronic documentation of transactions regarding each patient (i.e., telephone conversations, family meetings, etc.).
• Complete and submit encounter charges for each patient reflecting billing for the appropriate level of service.
• Assist in maintaining therapy and examination rooms in a neat and orderly condition. Monitor supply utilization to ensure adequate levels of supplies are available in each room.
• Attend patient care rounds as applicable to maintain multidisciplinary interaction and cooperation and report on patients who are receiving speech pathology services.
• Attend and participate in weekly speech pathology staff meetings and monthly clinical staff meetings.
• Follow all appropriate hospital patient care, regulatory, and administrative policies.
• May be required to be on-call a minimal number of times per year.
• Performs other duties as requested by management or senior level staff.

• Master of Science/Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
• The candidate must be eligible for ASHA certification. The candidate must hold current licensure with the State of Illinois in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Knowledge and utilization of appropriate patient care protocol relating to the physical and psychological needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients is required and may be obtained through on-the-job competency training.
• Candidate should demonstrate proven ability to consistently perform assigned tasks promptly and with a high level of customer satisfaction. Ability to handle contacts with patients, physicians and/or external contacts courteously and pleasantly while providing prompt and efficient attention to customer needs is also essential.
• Requires skill in handling sensitive matters and patients with tact, courtesy and discretion. Requires excellent verbal communication skills, particularly with respect to one-on-one interpersonal communication. Requires demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently; including determining priorities, organizing work, working independently, and working in a fast paced environment.
• Computer and typing proficiency (minimum 30 words per minute) is required for data entry functions and utilizing internal information systems.

• One to three years of clinical experience
• Training and/or clinical experience in the areas of aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, voice, developmental communication disorders, and dysphagia, including experience in videofluorographic swallow examinations
• Experience in the areas of neurogenic speech and language disorders
• Additional…