Speech Language Pathologist II

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Speech Language Pathologist II conducts comprehensive assessments of patients with disorders of swallowing, communication, voice and cognition, planning and implementing speech language pathology treatments to restore function, prevent permanent disability and restore independence, using various treatment techniques. Collaborates with other disciplines to arrange for appropriate follow-up care and facilitates a successful return to home and work environments. Provides student and new hire training according to departmental guidelines.

Position: Speech Language Pathologist II

Department: Speech-Language Therapy

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Conducts speech language pathology evaluation procedures according to professional and departmental guidelines. 

• Completes evaluation and documentation.

• Reviews patient records, gathers necessary information, and clarifies any questions about physician’s order prior to assessing the patient. 

• Selects evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, abilities, and limitations. 

• Administers evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests (including speech, language, cognitive and dysphagia assessment, specifically Modified Barium Swallow evaluation); adapts evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients. 

• Interprets evaluation results, develops an integrated diagnostic impression, and makes recommendations, specifically for diet upgrade/downgrade as needed.  

• Performs re-evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient’s status or response to treatment. 

• Educates patient and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations. 

Establishes treatment goals and plans that reflect the needs of the patients while meeting departmental, institutional, and third-party reimbursement requirements. 

• Formulates treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient’s unique cognitive, speech, language, and swallowing deficits. 

• Establishes measurable and attainable short and long-term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver. 

• Modifies goals as warranted by changes in patient’s status. 

• Assesses discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including but not limited to: insurance issues, equipment needs, follow-up appointments, and appropriate use of community services. 

• Communicates patient care and discharge needs to team members as needed. Arranges for appropriate follow-up. 

Implements comprehensive treatment. Consistently demonstrates clinical competence. 

• Establishes treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients.  

• Progresses patient treatment programs appropriately and terminates them as warranted by patient’s progress and condition. 

• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated. 

• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions. 

Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and standards. 

• Completes patient care charges accurately.

Participates in on-going professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards.  

• Stays current with advances in speech language pathology treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature. 

Participates in the development and evaluation of speech language pathology programs 

• Contributes to the development and updating of clinical service line programs and other pertinent resource material as appropriate. 

• Collects data required to complete departmental quality improvement projects in compliance with established department standards. 

• Contributes to the assessment, planning, and implementation of speech language pathology programs in collaboration with supervisor and peers. 

Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high quality patient care.

• Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals on floors. Instructs and assists ancillary and other personnel as necessary.

• Accepts and completes additional assignments as requested by supervisor, including membership in department and hospital task forces and committees. 

• Provides at least one evidence-based area in-service annually. Provides in-services to other hospital personnel as requested. 

• Engages with management on departmental initiatives and projects.  

Assists in orientation of newly hired SLP staff to hospital. Functions as a clinical instructor for SLP students.

• Participates in orientation of newly hired staff to hospital floors and verifies clinical competence as appropriate. Communicates with supervisor about progress with orientation of new staff to ensure ability to function independently.  

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required). 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Speech Language Pathology and a minimum of 2 years’ experience, at least 1 year of which must be in acute care; or equivalent combination of education and experience

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

ICU experience preferred

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Current SLP license in Massachusetts

Current Certificate of Clinical Competency from ASHA

Current CPR certification 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS PREFERRED:

N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs):

MBS proficiency

Position would entail working 8 hour shifts Mon through Friday with coverage one Saturday per month for as many hours as needed to manage caseload

Compensation Range:

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.

NOTE : This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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