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Speech-Language Pathologist: Dysphagia Lab Therapist

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

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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

This is a senior role. Tell me about a time you raised the level of practice for other therapists.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead evidence-based care at the department level, as the posting expects.

Tell me about a time new research changed how you treat dysphagia.

What they are checking: Whether they keep up with evidence and apply it.

What would you do

A study shows silent aspiration on every consistency. How do you talk with the patient and team about next steps?

What they are checking: Clear, compassionate communication of serious findings and practical recommendations.

A referring physician wants a different diet than your study supports. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Respectful advocacy backed by clear evidence from the exam.

How would you mentor a newer clinician learning to read swallow studies?

What they are checking: Teaching skill and patience in building others' competence.

About the work

Walk me through how you run and interpret a videofluoroscopic swallow study.

What they are checking: Deep instrumental skills, since a dysphagia lab role centers on these studies.

What are you looking for during a FEES exam, and how does it compare to a modified barium swallow?

What they are checking: Understanding the strengths of each tool and when to choose one over the other.

How do you use a standardized scale like the Penetration-Aspiration Scale or MBSImP in your reports?

What they are checking: Commitment to reliable, evidence-based scoring rather than loose impressions.

How do you decide which compensatory strategies or rehab exercises to try during the study?

What they are checking: Using the exam to test interventions in real time, not just to diagnose.

How do you keep radiation exposure low for the patient and staff during fluoroscopy?

What they are checking: Awareness of radiation safety and limiting time on screen.

How do you make sure your reports are useful to the therapist who will treat the patient next?

What they are checking: Clear, actionable reports that connect findings to treatment.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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 Senior Speech & Language Pathologist I is committed to excellence in the profession of Speech Therapy, demonstrated by clinical expertise and contributions to the organization. A Senior Speech Language Pathologist I implements evidenced based care at the department level, to promote optimal patient outcomes. The Senior Speech & Language Pathologist I consistently demonstrates support of the SRAlab statement of Mission and Vision 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 organization. The Senior Speech & Language Pathologist I excels in the SRAlab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and SRAlab Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description 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. 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.

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