Speech-Language Pathologist: Dysphagia Lab Therapist

The Senior Speech & Language Pathologist Will

In addition to performing all of the responsibilities of a Speech & Language Pathologist;

• Contributes to the production and dissemination of evidence-based practice at the organizational, state, or national level. These may include

Completion of evidence based review of interventions or outcome measures.

Creation and/or implementation of practice guidelines.

Standardization of outcome measure collection/interpretation.

Implementation of new practice standards at the department level.

• Performs professional presentations internally and reinforces practice priorities within the organization.
• Provides mentoring on practice and documentation for staff and students, aligning with organizational needs, while pursuing advanced mentoring training through internal or specialized programs.
• Contributes to performance management evaluations of staff speech therapists.
• Actively participates in professional organizations, such as:

Participates in state, national, or local meetings.

Holds an office, board member, special interest group participant.

Disseminates information or knowledge at the department or organizational level.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager or Therapy Manager.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Graduated from an accredited program with current license to practice.
• Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required.
• Minimum of 3 years clinical experience required; at least 5 years clinical experience preferred.
• Maintains a clinical role of at least 0.4 FTE; and at least 0.5 FTE overall in the organization.
• Outstanding communication skills, with demonstrated ability to partner with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress/condition information and to assign duties and orient/train subordinate professional, technical and support personnel.
• Proven in-depth conceptual knowledge in speech therapy.
• Ability to solve complex problems, demonstrating excellent critical thinking skills.
• Proven commitment to the profession of speech therapy.
• Confidently and efficiently predicts outcomes beyond a single episode of care and considers the long-term needs of the patient.
• Takes initiative to identify learning needs and resources. Follows through and shares information with peers in a timely manner.
• Transfers skills and knowledge confidently into unfamiliar situations and efficiently identifies new learning needs.
• Through the readings of scientific literature is able to identify current issues and trends in practice.
• Demonstrates involvement in activities that contribute to the improvement of the unit/department/profession.
• Instills confidence in colleagues.
• Identifies systems or practice issues and potential solutions as part of professional role.

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.
• May include 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.