Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)
Job Title: Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)
Location: IRF, Hospital
Department: Rehabilitation Services
Reports To: Therapy Director, VP of Rehab Services
Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, PRN
Job Summary: The Speech Therapist, also known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages. The SLP works closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs. The role requires expertise in both rehabilitative and preventive care, with a focus on improving patients' quality of life and enhancing their ability to communicate effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients to assess speech, language, communication, and swallowing abilities. Utilize standardized tests, clinical observations, and patient histories to diagnose disorders. Identify underlying causes of communication and swallowing difficulties.
- Treatment Planning and Implementation: Develop personalized treatment plans and provide direct speech and language therapy to patients. Set measurable, attainable goals for improvement in communication, speech, language, or swallowing functions. Modify treatment plans as needed based on patient progress and response to therapy.
- Therapeutic interventions: Implement strategies for speech articulation, voice modulation, language comprehension, cognitive communication, and fluency. Conduct swallowing therapy, including exercises to strengthen muscles, improve swallowing safety, and manage dysphagia. Educate patients and their families on speech and language disorders, treatment strategies, and progress. Provide training on exercises and techniques to be practiced at home. Offer support and guidance to help families manage communication and swallowing disorders.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and professional standards. Use electronic medical records (EMR) systems to document patient interactions and progress.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and social workers, to coordinate patient care. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and discharge planning sessions. Provide consultation and education to other healthcare professionals as needed.
- Compliance and Safety: Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards including HIPAA, OSHA, AHCA and Joint Commission guidelines. Ensure patient safety during therapy sessions by following established protocols and guidelines. Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of practice, and stay current with professional practices including continuing education, licensure and certification requirements.
Skills:
- Strong diagnostic and therapeutic skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficient in the use of electronic medical records (EMR)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Qualifications:
- Education: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
- Licensure: Current state licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
- Certification: Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in a clinical setting preferred.
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