Speech Language Pathologist - Inpatient Neonatal

Hourly Pay Range: $35.16 - $54.50 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.

• Position:
  Speech Language Pathologist - Inpatient - Neonatal
• Location:
  
  Evanston, IL
• Per Diem - TBD with manager ? likely two afternoons per week (not back-to-back) - Monday through Friday
• Hours:
  
  Days
• Required Travel: no
• Holidays: no

The Speech‑Language Pathologist (SLP) provides specialized assessment, intervention, and family education for infants admitted to the Level III NICU. The SLP focuses on optimizing oral feeding readiness, swallowing safety, and early communication development in collaboration with neonatologists, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, lactation consultants, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team. This per diem role provides flexible coverage based on unit census and patient care needs.

• Clinical Care
  • Assess oral feeding readiness, feeding and swallowing function, and communication needs for preterm and medically fragile infants.
  • In collaboration with occupational therapy and nursing, support and implement individualized feeding and swallowing plans, including recommendations for oral vs. alternative feeding methods.
  • Provide interventions to support safe and efficient oral feeding, caregiver? infant bonding, and prelinguistic communication development.
  • Collaborate with lactation consultants to support breastfeeding success and transition to oral feeds.
  • Work with nursing to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans in alignment with medical stability and developmental milestones.
• Collaboration & Teamwork
  • Partner with NICU medical, nursing, and therapy teams to support plan of care.
  • Contribute to care conferences and discharge planning to support transitioning to home and follow‑up care as determined with manager.
  • Provide education to staff regarding feeding/swallowing best practices and early communication strategies.
• Family Support
  • Collaborate with occupational therapy and nursing to educate and empower parents/caregivers on safe feeding techniques, cues of readiness, and strategies to promote bonding and communication.
  • Provide resources and referrals for follow‑up outpatient therapy or early intervention services as appropriate.

• License:
  Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Speech Language Pathologist in the State of IL required.
• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from a university program accredited by the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association.
• Certification: CPR certification required.
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech‑Language Pathology (CCC‑SLP) required.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum two years relevant experience providing feeding services to preterm infants/complex infants; relevant certifications; VSS experience with NICU infants.

• Premium pay for eligible employees
• Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
• Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking
• Wellness Program Savings Plan
• Health Savings Account Options
• Retirement Options with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Community Involvement Opportunities

EOE:
Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.