Home Health Speech Language Pathologist, SLP

About the Role

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical, or cognitive impairment. The clinician evaluates patients and uses sound therapy to address speech disorders, communication difficulties, and swallowing disorders. This is a senior-level, individual contributor role that may direct the work of lower-level professionals and manage processes and programs, requiring advanced knowledge typically acquired through education and experience.

The position involves working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, evaluating and diagnosing complex speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders, and formulating treatment plans. The clinician is responsible for documenting patient care in compliance with departmental and JCAHO requirements and supervising other staff clinicians.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and screens complex patients referred to Speech and Language Pathology across all age groups, delivering competent care with professional efficiency.
• Diagnoses speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders using behavioral observations, case history, standardized tests, and professional judgment.
• Makes recommendations for therapy, referrals, extended evaluations, or home training programs to maximize functional independence.
• Prepares complete written reports of evaluations and progress for individual cases.
• Consults with patients, caregivers, and families regarding recommendations and necessary carryover programs.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of home programs and adjusts goals, dismissal criteria, and supplemental materials as needed.
• Selects and administers appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Consults with medical personnel regarding the type, extent, and prognosis of speech and language disorders, including pre- and post-operative care.
• Coordinates follow-up procedures, including communication with other professionals and agencies involved in patient care.
• Participates in interdisciplinary and family conferences to coordinate services.
• Completes documentation, including evaluation reports, progress notes, re-assessments, and discharge summaries in a timely manner.
• Complies with insurance requirements, including obtaining physician signatures and insurance approvals.
• Coordinates the Graduate Student Internship program in Speech-Language Pathology, including developing criteria, clinical procedures, and evaluating interns.
• Provides in-service training to other professionals, groups, and service providers on speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
• Oversees day-to-day operations of the Speech and Language Program, including scheduling, hiring, training, and performance evaluations of staff.
• Monitors individual workloads and assists with scheduling to meet workload requirements.
• Stays current with literature, new tests, instruments, and technologies in the field.
• Maintains knowledge of patient care programs and devices available to patients.
• May initiate or participate in research projects and perform related bookkeeping duties.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Speech Therapist License.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• Five (5) years of experience in Speech-Language Pathology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) years of experience in Speech-Language Pathology, including two (2) years of experience with head-injured patients.
• Training and experience as a Pediatric Dysphagia Specialist.

Skills

• Broad knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating speech, language, cognitive, communicative, and swallowing disorders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including communication, teamwork, and the ability to work in groups or one-on-one.
• Ability to work independently, self-motivation, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to function effectively in busy situations and adjust to changes quickly.
• Maturity to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of patients with acute and long-term disabilities.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English.
• Knowledge and skills to assess the needs of patients across all age groups and provide appropriate care.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effects and adjust care plans as needed.
• Strong time management skills to ensure productivity while maintaining quality patient care.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and transferring of patients.
• Manual dexterity for operating a computer keyboard and providing quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques.
• Visual ability to see computer screens, reports, and assess patient injuries and functional status.
• Auditory ability to assess patient complaints and functional status.

Pay

Tufts Medicine offers competitive compensation designed to attract, retain, and motivate highly talented individuals. The base pay range for this role is $84,300.22 - $107,481.20, with individual offers determined by relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week.