Jobs › Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Speech & Language Pathologist- 20th Floor- Nerve Muscle + Bone Innovation Center- Part-time

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · $68,000–$120,000 a year · Part time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you taught family or nursing staff how to keep a patient safe while eating.

What they are checking: Skill at carrying swallow recommendations to everyone who feeds the patient.

What would you do

A patient with dysarthria is frustrated that people can't understand them. How do you start treatment?

What they are checking: Ability to blend speech intelligibility work with strategies and emotional support.

How do you adjust a treatment plan when a patient isn't making the progress you expected?

What they are checking: Willingness to reassess and change course, which the posting says is part of the role.

A patient on a modified diet asks for regular food and says they understand the risk. What do you do?

What they are checking: Handling patient autonomy and informed refusal with care and documentation.

As a part-time therapist, how do you keep continuity of care for your patients?

What they are checking: Strong handoffs and documentation so patients don't lose ground between visits.

About the work

Walk me through your evaluation of a patient with neurogenic dysphagia after a nerve or muscle injury.

What they are checking: Structured swallow assessment and knowing when an instrumental exam is needed.

How do you decide when to recommend a modified barium swallow or FEES?

What they are checking: Judgment about the limits of a bedside swallow exam and when imaging changes the plan.

The 20th floor serves nerve, muscle and bone conditions. How does your approach differ for a patient with a neuromuscular disease compared to stroke?

What they are checking: Understanding that progressive conditions call for different goals than recovering ones.

How do you set goals that matter to the patient and not just the test scores?

What they are checking: Patient-centered, functional goal writing that drives real-life outcomes.

What augmentative or alternative communication options have you used, and how do you choose one?

What they are checking: AAC knowledge for patients whose speech may decline or not return.

How do you keep your clinical records current and in line with documentation rules?

What they are checking: Timely, accurate notes that support billing, compliance and the team's work.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

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 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. The Speech and Language Pathologist 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 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 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. • 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 SRAbilityLab. Reporting Relationships: • Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager-Innovation Center, Therapy Manager-AbilityLab. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: • Knowledge in diagnoses and types of treatment for speech, language, swallowing and behavior problems of neurologically impaired at a level generally acquired through completion of a Master’s or doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. • Clinical Specialty Recognition by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or certification in neurological communication disorders by the Academy of Neurological Communication Disorders and Sciences is desired. • Current Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association • Current Illinois license as Speech-language Pathologist or Temporary license as Speech-Language Pathologist if in Clinical Fellowship Year. • Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required. • Complete the SRAIS training programs and utilizes SRAIS in performing job duties, as needed • Understanding the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent, and geriatric patients • Ability to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met. • Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients and families in providing treatment and with physicians, audiologist and other closely related clinical professionals in order to gather and exchange patient information. • Analytical skills necessary to administer and evaluate standardized speech/language tests, evaluate patient capabilities, develop treatment plans and monitor patient progress. • Ability to adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally, and up to 10 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients. 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. • Includes weekends 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. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $68,000.00 - $120,000.00 Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

Apply at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab