Speech and Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow Program

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Speech and Language Pathologist Program Clinical Fellow (P-CF), participates in a 12 month training program, under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, will plan, conduct, and evaluate program for assigned patients designed to improve patient's communication skills. Assess patients with communication problems and dysphagia typically of neurogenic origin, develops a treatment program and modifies treatment in accordance with patient progress. Instruct patients' progress and maintains clinical records according to established procedures.

Our twelve-month program will include structured curriculum and clinical mentorship in evidence-based practice and translational research. Fellows will work in both in-patient and day rehab settings. Beyond the established structure, fellows will be able to individualize the curriculum and electives to target their own professional goals. Fellows can participate in rounds, present case studies, complete professional projects and receive training in areas of interest. Each fellow will be supervised by an SLP mentor, with scheduled mentorship meetings and professional development workshops. Fellows will complete their Clinical Fellowship Year and apply for Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) through ASHA, when eligible. Ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills, a team-oriented mindset, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Candidates will also have a commitment to learning, patient-centered care and professional growth.

The Speech and Language Pathologist Program Clinical Fellow will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Speech and Language Pathologist Program Clinical Fellow will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Speech Language Pathologist Program Clinical Fellow will:

• Evaluate patient's speech, language and swallowing abilities in order to formulate and conduct treatment plan designed to improve communicative efficiency of patients with communication problems. 

• Establish patient treatment goals tailored to each patient's needs and capabilities.

• Review patient's chart, interview patient/family and consult with physicians, audiologists and other relevant clinical professionals in order to evaluate patient condition according to standard procedures.

• Counsel patients, family members/significant others regarding communication deficits and instruct them in proper management techniques.

• Monitor patient progress, re-establish goals and revise treatment, and alert physicians to changes in patient's condition.

• Evaluate patient’s current pain levels (0-10) and history of recent pain experience; provide appropriate pain education and intervention in consultation with physician and pain specialists as needed; provide ongoing assessment of pain and implementation of tools for management.

• Maintain clinical records including writing diagnostic reports, progress reports, discharge summaries, re-evaluations and rechecks, summarizing family and professional contact and logging daily statistics and other clinical data.

• The P-CF's clinical expectation will be 90% with the other 10% dedicated to mentoring and training as outlined above.

• Attend patient team conferences, clinics, in-service education classes, and meetings in order to gather and exchange patient/treatment information.

• Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Assist