Job Description

The Speech Language Pathologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

_ RESPONSIBILITIES:_

Diagnoses speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders:

• Obtains background information prior to evaluation to determine the appropriate tests to perform
• Determines the cause history and severity of the disorder by a thorough chart review, patient, physician, medical professional or family interview.
• Administers scores and interprets formal and informal assessments to determine the type and level of dysfunction.
• Identifies the need for referral to another discipline or medical professional.
• Educates the patient and family members as to the nature and extend of the disability, the prognosis for improvement or recovery, and ways to facilitate the recovery within the scope of practice.

Implements treatment plans for individuals with the disorders:

• Plans, directs and conducts individualized rehabilitation and counseling programs to treat disorders
• Determines measurable and realistic goals.
• Modifies treatment plan based upon patients progress toward goals.
• Designs therapeutic intervention to restore, produce, improve or conserve communication or swallowing efficiency in a manner that is both effective and sensitive to the patients specific needs, interests and abilities.
• Maintains records as required by law, policy and Medicare regulations; provides documentation for patient records including diagnostic findings, therapy plans, goals and progress notes.
• Consults and collaborates with physicians and other healthcare professionals to implement and coordinate treatment; determines the need for referral to another discipline.
• Maintains patient and environmental safety.
• Uses equipment ordinarily encountered when performing job.

Provides information, education and training relating to Speech-Language pathology:

• Participates in care conferences, staffing and discharge planning.
• Documents diagnostic findings, therapy plans, goals and progress notes per department policy.
• Develops and presents in-services and other educational programs for the department, hospital and community.
• Trains and supervises graduate students as assigned.

Qualifications

** Required :**

• Required: Master's degree or equivalent
• Speech Pathologist License in the State of Illinois
• Must have current BLS within 90 days of hire

_ Preferred_ :

• Current certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology, or eligibility following completion of the Clinical Fellowship year

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.