Per Diem Inpatient Pedi Speech Language Pathologist

Summary

The Speech-Language Pathologist reports directly to the Clinical Manager and/or Assistant Clinical Manager (ACM) of their respective department and may receive clinical guidance from senior staff and/or clinical specialists. The Speech-Language Pathologist provides clinical services including screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, management, counseling/education, documentation, and referral for inpatients and outpatients demonstrating speech, voice, feeding, swallowing, language, and/or cognitive impairments.

Responsibilities

• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and honestly with patients and/or caregivers, and colleagues
• Evaluates speech, voice, language, feeding/swallowing, and/or cognitive impairments
• Establishes diagnosis, prognosis, and individualized plans of care
• Implements treatment intervention based on plan of care, considering precautions, indications, and contradictions
• Directs and coordinates patients’ rehabilitation plan of care
• Evaluates patients’ progress and revises goals and plan of care accordingly
• Edits and educates patients/caregivers
• Anticipates and communicates discharge/home needs and resources
• Completes documentation and charges timely and accurately, in compliance with department policy
• Completes clinical documentation reflecting eligibility/medical necessity of services in compliance with professional and regulatory standards
• Consistently applies evidence-based practice to all aspects of clinical care
• Seeks additional guidance when necessary to assure safe and effective patient care
• Recommends and refers for additional diagnostic testing and/or services
• Selects, fits, and establishes effective use of appropriate prosthetic/adaptive devices for communication and swallowing (e.g., electrolarynges, speaking valves)
• Uses instrumental technology to diagnose and treat disorders of communication and swallowing (evident technology)
• Screens patients for hearing loss or middle ear pathology using conventional pure-tone air conduction methods
• Modifies and/or enhances communication performance (e.g., accent modification, care and improvement of the professional voice)
• Complies with hospital and departmental policies and guidelines
• Participates in strategic departmental quality improvement initiatives
• Provides education to other hospital departments/personnel, students, and outside agencies/schools
• Determines priorities according to departmental and patient care need
• Participates in community-based professional events
• Participates in ongoing educational activities
• Supports and promotes departmental teamwork
• Completes mandatory departmental and hospital training on time

Minimum Qualifications

• BASIC KNOWLEDGE: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited institution; State License issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health, or Provisional Rhode Island State License for Clinical Fellows involved in supervised clinical fellowship year; Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA); Evidence of pursuit of ASHA certification for Clinical Fellows.
• EXPERIENCE: One to two years’ experience or eligibility for provisional license from the State of Rhode Island; Clinical Fellows will be considered.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Fit for duty in accordance with OSHA standards and program specific needs.

Independent Action

Performs independently within the department’s policies and practices; Refers specific complex problems to ACM and/or Clinical Manager when clarification of departmental policies and procedures is required; Independently sets goals for professional development; Membership and involvement in discipline-specific professional organization and/or other clinically relevant organization is strongly encouraged.

Supervisory Responsibility

No direct supervision. However, pursuant to the state of Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Licensing Speech-Language Pathologist, a licensed therapist shall at all times be responsible for the clinical supervision of supportive personnel, Clinical Fellows, and students to ensure the safety and welfare of patients, including cosigning notes, reviewing patient treatment plans and goals.