Speech & Language Pathologist; SLP - Acute

Responsibilities

Interprets physician referrals and conducts speech and language evaluations of patients with various speech, language, voice, cognitive and swallowing disorders.

Establishes a written plan of care and implements individual treatment based on evaluation results and functional goals, using appropriate techniques. Monitors and evaluates outcomes, adjusts the treatment plan as needed, and provides status updates to physicians and teammates. Identifies factors affecting the patient’s physical and psychosocial comfort and attends to these needs.

Plans for discharge, including providing written home programs, patient/family teaching, referrals for community services, transition planning within the continuum of care, and ordering equipment as indicated. Communicates and collaborates with stakeholders to achieve optimal patient care.

Completes all required documentation per department policy and accreditation standards, including patient evaluations, progress notes, team conference reports, and discharge summaries as appropriate. Records patient care and progress, completes daily statistics, billing, and scheduling. Applies insurance guidelines regarding authorization and number of visits. Maintains site/department productivity standards and adheres to all billing and documentation policies, procedures, and timelines.

Maintains a clean and orderly work area, assists with equipment management, and performs manual techniques, patient positioning, and transporting duties as required. Demonstrates skill in the use of modalities, exercise equipment, and devices available in the area, and understands indications and contraindications of modalities. Promotes patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and following infection control measures.

Participates in performance improvement activities to identify and resolve problems affecting patient care outcomes and to improve quality of care. Manages assigned caseload and communicates coverage needs to site leadership; assists with coverage based on department and regional needs.

Pursues professional growth through continuing education, department in-services, and reading professional literature. Orients new staff to clinical and department policies as requested. Participates in the evaluation process of co-workers by providing feedback as requested. May supervise non-licensed personnel following applicable state and local compliance requirements, delegating tasks while maintaining responsibility for patient plans of care and goals. Supports the student clinical education program by supervising at least one student per year where possible.

Education
Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from an accredited program or equivalent per graduation date; maintains continuing education requirements as mandated by state standards.

Certification / Registration / License
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of practice. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (obtained within 90 days unless not required by department leader). Certification of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) eligible.

Work Experience
No experience required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Intermediate computer skills; excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Completes competency assessments as required by site standards. Maintains annual educational requirements for hospital-based certifications. Demonstrates knowledge to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served, including growth and development considerations across the lifespan.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions
Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist, up to 10 lbs from waist to overhead, and carry up to 40 lbs at waist height. Must be able to push/pull with 30 lbs of force and perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with assistance.

Repetitive use of hands with grasping, pushing/pulling, and fine manipulation. Must have functional use of senses for communication. May be exposed to electrical/chemical hazards and body fluids; may require protective clothing. Position may require travel and exposure to road/weather hazards. Operates necessary equipment to perform the job.

Preferred Job Requirements
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Disclaimer:
All responsibilities and requirements are subject to modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not imply that these are the only responsibilities; employees may be required to perform other job-related duties at leadership discretion.