Position Objective: The Speech-Language Pathologist functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team and provides direct speech/language/feeding treatment and consultation services to persons referred to the Center and their families. The therapist evaluates individuals, establishes goals, and designs and implements specific treatment programs.

Job Functions:

• Completes initial evaluation and evaluation report(s) for each individual.
• Re-evaluates persons served every twelve months or as indicated.
• Establishes individualized therapy goals and generate data for the initial client/family plan of treatment. Complete progress notes every three to six months or as required.
• Participates in parent/guardian Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings. Attends medical staffings/case studies to participate in interdisciplinary team discussion of IFSPs as necessary.
• Monitors progress and modifies treatment goals (Intervention Goals) and therapeutic intervention strategies as necessary and/or every six months at a minimum.
• Reports cancellations and no shows to the scheduling team for proper documentation and action. Accurately document treatment notes and additional contacts regarding the individual served in EMR communication tab(s).
• Develops and instructs family members in home program activities, and revise as necessary. Provides parent/guardian/family training during the session regarding HEP and therapy strategies.
• Participates as needed or requested in the smooth transition of an individual to a public school program or other placement as necessary. Corresponds with physicians and other professionals involved in the care/treatment of the client/family as necessary.
• Accesses and updates the Electronic Medical system as necessary.
• Attends program services meetings, discipline meetings, rehab staff meetings, case studies and in-services.
• Provides impedance and hearing screenings as necessary (i.e. check fluid in ears).
• Ensures that all requirements for credentialing and licensure are maintained (e.g. Early Interventions credentialing, Illinois license, certification)

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Opportunities for mentorship/training of feeding therapy skills
• Completes letters of medical necessity as needed.
• Participates in Clinics as requested.
• Supervises graduate student interns and non-licensed staff as necessary.
• Mentors new staff members as requested.
• Fulfills contractual obligations as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university in Speech-Language Pathology.
• A Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing and Hearing Association (ASHA) or eligible for CCC in Clinical Fellowship (CF) year.
• Must be licensed in the State of Illinois or eligible for licensure.
• Illinois Early Intervention Credential or eligible for credential.
• A minimum of one year proven successful experience in the area of pediatric speech therapy, preferred.

Competency Requirements

• Advanced knowledge and skill necessary to independently provide evaluations and treatment plans related to credentialed/licensed field of practice.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and software (MS Office Suite)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must have visual ability sufficient to read and complete written correspondence, reports, etc., and computer screen information.
• Frequent use of hands to grasp, handle, or feel.
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, and reaching.

• Ability to lift and/or carry up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to drive to all Easterseals centers and service sites within a 100-mile radius, as needed.

Work Environment

• Routinely works in office environments with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Why work at Easterseals Central Illinois?
Easterseals has 75 affiliates across the nation that provide services and support to more than one million individuals and families living with a disability every year! At Easterseals Central Illinois, it is our mission to provide exceptional services to ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs can reach their full potential.

We believe that we are more than a mission. We believe that every child deserves the best, and so does our staff! Some of the “perks” that set us apart from other pediatric clinics:

• Work/life balance: We can provide a set schedule, based on client need, which does not require any nights or weekends!
• Paid Documentation time: Our clinicians have an expectation of 60% productivity rate which gives you time for documentation during work hours. No more bringing your documentation home to complete after working your shift! Additionally, if a client cancels you still are paid for your time.
• Collaborative environment: We provide a wide variety of services designed to promote progress! Just to name a few:
  1. Rehabilitation services: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Feeding Therapy
  2. Behavioral services: Applied Behavioral Analysis and Counseling
  3. Clinic Services: Autism Early Diagnostic Clinic, Orthotics Clinic, Serial Casting
  4. Many Specialty services like: BrainPaint, CVI Services, Augmentative/Alternative Communication, and so many more!
• Accreditation: Easterseals maintains one of the highest accreditations levels for two separate, independent nonprofit accrediting bodies!
  1. We received a 3-year CARF accreditation and continues be the only CARF Accredited Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Program (Pediatric Specialty) in Central Illinois. The latest accreditation is the 8th consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has given to Easterseals Central Illinois!
  2. We are recognized by the Behavior Health Center for Excellence (BCHOE) with its highest level of accreditation for providing excellent services to children and families through Applied Behavior Analysis. This three-year accreditation highlights Easterseals Central Illinois as the leading provider of Autism Services and Applied Behavior Analysis in downstate Illinois. Only two organizations in Illinois now hold this level of accreditation

Easterseals Central Illinois Benefits:

All employees are guaranteed up to 40 hours of paid time off at start of hire that can be used for any reason. Additionally, all employees who work 16 hours or more per week for Easterseals are entitled to a generous benefits package and perks such as:

• 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Vacation time and Sick time that increases with years of service
• Paid holiday break: Our clinics are closed from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day (Yes, this additional time off!)
• CEU and Professional Development allowance
• Reimbursement for license renewals
• Mentorship program
• Employees that work 30 hours weekly or more receive additional benefits: Group Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, and FSA)
• Employees who work 40 hours weekly receive five (5) paid holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Thanks giving (Yes, this is additional time off too!)