Speech-Language Pathologist-Outpatient Full-time Days - Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week outpatient working 8 hours per day approximate start time 8am to 430pm. No weekends or holidays.  Preferring video-fluoroscopic swallow study experience, exposure to or genuine interest in learning to perform such a test. 

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.

A speech therapist who complies with the Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice as outlined by their professional organization and the State of Illinois.  This position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees and departmental process improvement. Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in all aspects of professional, clinical, communication, education and leadership activities.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. 
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Maintains primary responsibility over patient plan of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating ST/ STA
• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments.  Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others. 
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
• Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidence by team feedback and documentation.
• Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate evaluation in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols.  Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines, adjusting the treatment plan accordingly.  Evidenced by chart review.
• Assumes complete responsibility over the course of physical therapist patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety and treatment outcome as evidenced by team feedback and documentation.  Maintains primary responsibility over patient plans of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating Speech Therapy Assistants.
• Adheres to department policy regarding evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries.  All notes are documented in electronic medical record (EMR).
• Completes daily notes that reflect patient’s response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all regulatory documentation requirements (e.g., allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement).
• Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by chart review, observation and team feedback.
• Participates in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan.
• Works to develop and maintain professional relationships with members of healthcare teams (ex: physician, nurse, case manager). Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations. 
• Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for team member input, open and honest conversation, approachability, and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions.
• Accepts constructive feedback and can make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms/chart audits and team feedback.
• Proactively completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay forms, and follow up phone calls).
• Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g., in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, PI) as per department expectations.
• Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host as per department expectations
• Maintains productivity standards per department expectations
• Completes all NM required education, competencies and training within required timeframes.  
• Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient care needs, staff meetings and department specific meetings outside of normal work hours.

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Required:

• Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology
• 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

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.