Speech Language Pathologist – Inpatient – Neonatal - per diem

Nevada System of Higher Education•Evanston, IL

2d•$35 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) provides specialized assessment, intervention, and family education for infants admitted to the Level III NICU. The SLP focuses on optimizing oral feeding readiness, swallowing safety, and early communication development in collaboration with neonatologists, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, lactation consultants, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team. This per diem role provides flexible coverage based on unit census and patient care needs. The Evanston Hospital Infant Special Care Unit is a Level III NICU providing critical care to newborns across the northern Chicagoland region. With over 500 annual admissions we provide expertise across neonatal issues including: specialized small baby care, therapeutic hypothermia, and high risk neonatal developmental follow up. We have a dedicated and supportive multidisciplinary care model that includes team members from nursing, pharmacy, respiratory care, dietary, and social work.

Requirements

Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Speech Language Pathologist in the State of IL required.
Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from a university program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
CPR certification required.
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) required
Minimum two years relevant experience providing feeding services to preterm infants/complex infants; relevant certifications

Nice To Haves

VSS experience with NICU infants

Responsibilities

Assess oral feeding readiness, feeding and swallowing function, and communication needs for preterm and medically fragile infants.
In collaboration with occupational therapy and nursing, support and implement individualized feeding and swallowing plans, including recommendations for oral vs. alternative feeding methods.
Provide interventions to support safe and efficient oral feeding, caregiver–infant bonding, and prelinguistic communication development.
Collaborate with lactation consultants to support breastfeeding success and transition to oral feeds.
Work with nursing to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans in alignment with medical stability and developmental milestones.
Partner with NICU medical, nursing, and therapy teams to support plan of care.
Contribute to care conferences and discharge planning to support transitioning to home and follow-up care as determined with manager.
Provide education to staff regarding feeding/swallowing best practices and early communication strategies.
Collaborate with occupational therapy and nursing to educate and empower parents/caregivers on safe feeding techniques, cues of readiness, and strategies to promote bonding and communication.
Provide resources and referrals for follow-up outpatient therapy or early intervention services as appropriate.