Careers @ CHAT
Why CHAT
CHAT is the only nonprofit in the greater Chicago area exclusively dedicated to speech, language, and advocacy services. We seek staff who are inspired by our mission and passionate about health and educational equity. At CHAT, we provide culturally responsive therapy, build on children’s strengths, and advocate in the community for more inclusion in addressing communication challenges. We are constantly working to learn and un-learn as our field and its language evolve.
What We Do
Most of our SLPs spend the school year working with charter, therapeutic, and teletherapy school partners, at nonprofit community partner sites, and working through our clinic (in-person and/or remotely). In the summer, CHAT clinicians deliver our 1:1 services and literacy, executive functioning, life skills, and social communication programs in-person—increasingly at Chicago community partner sites. Team members also have the opportunity to work on our Communication Justice projects.
Who We Hire
We hire clinicians who are as compassionate and collaborative as they are passionate about social justice. Our non-clinical team members come from diverse professional settings, united by their dedication to helping underserved children and communities. All CHAT team members live our four cornerstones: Collaborate with Grace; Always Compassionate; Powered by Passion; and Ever Adaptive. If we sound like a good match for you, please fill out this questionnaire.
Staff Testimonials
Internships
The HQB Internship is intended for people of color who wish to apply to graduate school in speech-language pathology (but have not yet been accepted). Selected applicants will serve as aides for CHAT’s 2024 in-person summer programs focusing on literacy, social communication, and executive functioning. This internship includes a stipend of at least $1000 (we are working hard to secure funding to increase this amount), mentorship from experienced SLPs, and hard to find clinical experience to aid with graduate school applications—all with the goal of helping more BIPoC individuals to enter the field of speech-language pathology and increasing representation.
CHAT’s 2024 summer programs likely will have rolling start dates from late June through early July and will run through early August. All HQB interns will participate in at least one of our sessions, and all will need to participate in one-two training days in late June. At the end of the internship, all HQB interns will draft a written reflection on their experience so that we can continue to improve the program.
Student, Volunteer and Observing Opportunities
We welcome students, volunteers and individuals interested in observing our services.
Program Volunteer:
- Participating as an aide in our Literacy or Social programs is an amazing hands-on experience for any SLP student.
- Time participating can count towards required observation hours.
- Provides an exciting work experience enhancing your knowledge and your resume!
- An aide’s first year working with CHAT in the literacy or social program is volunteer. However, there is the potential to be asked to return for future programs in a paid position!
- Please contact Sara at sara@chatwithus.org for more information.
- Will require a background check.
Observations:
- Observe ASHA certified speech-language pathologists.
- Counts towards fulfilling the 25-hour observation requirements for your university.
- Please contact Katie at katie@chatwithus.org for more information.
Clinic Volunteer:
- Help make materials.
- Familiarize yourself with materials needed for therapy sessions.
- Please contact Katie at katie@chatwithus.org for more information.
Graduate Program Placement:
- Unique opportunity to see the school and clinic setting in one placement.
- Primarily work with pre-school and school-age children.
- Must be arranged through your college or university.
- Ask your university director to contact Sara Tamborski at sara@chatwithus.org