Speech Language Pathologist I

About the Role

Serves in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Department Director to provide a Speech Language program at CIHA, CIHA satellite clinics, and long-term care services at Tsali Care Center. Develops a comprehensive and full spectrum service line for speech language pathology, including rehabilitation and swallow diagnostic services. Provides quality evaluations and treatments for patient populations with swallowing, speech-language, and therapy needs through a written plan of care in accordance with state and federal regulations. Participates in all aspects of the department, including program planning, delivery of patient care, and performance improvement.

Responsibilities

• Practices the profession of Speech Language Pathology as a licensed clinician, applying concepts, principles, and practices for evaluation, treatment, and prevention of swallowing and speech-language therapy needs.
• Demonstrates professional competence, skill, and judgment in assessment, planning, and carrying out complex treatment interventions, patient and family education, and discharge planning for inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care conditions.
• Oversees Speech Language Pathologist Assistants and ensures the full scope of their duties is performed.
• Prepares speech language pathology equipment and exam rooms, ensuring proper sterilization and safety procedures.
• Develops and coordinates a team approach for complex clinical problems, performing case management by interfacing with the Primary Care team or other referral sources.
• May serve as a Clinical Instructor for educational programs, including training Speech Language Pathologist interns from affiliated university programs.
• Provides in-service programs for PTs, OTs, Wound Care staff, Respiratory Staff, medical staff, nursing, other agencies, and the community.
• Maintains NC licensure standards and participates in Continuing Education, sharing knowledge with fellow clinicians and using evidence-based practices for clinical decision-making.
• Develops or maintains a specialty area of Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
• Participates in monitoring the quality of patient care, quality improvement programs, and health promotion activities pertinent to Speech-Language Pathology, including CIHA hospital and Tsali Care Center accreditation processes.
• May participate in managing and/or planning department activities, including completing monthly statistics and assuming responsibility for the department in the absence of the Director or Supervising Therapist.
• Provides consultation to medical and clinical staff on swallowing and speech-language disorders and patient progress, ensuring communication reflects professionalism and best evidence.
• Represents Speech Language Pathology in program planning for patient care services with multidisciplinary care teams or at rounds, and participates in clinical research efforts and specialty clinics as needed.
• Develops and maintains clinical processes and procedures under the direction of the Department Director in accordance with accrediting organizations and participates in accreditation inspections.
• Maintains accurate documentation of therapy and swallow study visits to facilitate reimbursement and meet compliance standards.
• Uses safe work practices, including following established policies and procedures for safety, infection control, and universal precautions.
• Organizes and prioritizes work efficiently to maintain high productivity without sacrificing quality.
• May work during Administrative Leave if patient care would be compromised.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited Speech Language Pathology Program with a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders.
• Active North Carolina State Licensure and Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) required or attainable within 1 year of employment.
• 3-5 years of experience in patient care for Speech-Language Pathology preferred.

Skills

• Professional and clinical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuro-anatomy, neuro-psychology, biomechanics, disease entities, and their causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.
• Knowledge of therapeutic programs in speech-language therapy and how to devise them.
• Expertise in patient evaluation procedures and implementation of comprehensive treatment plans.
• Ability to develop therapeutic activities and instruct patients, family members, or caregivers.
• Effective communication and collaboration under varying conditions and situations.
• Knowledge of regulatory agencies, practices, policies, and procedures, including documentation required by certifying/accrediting agencies.
• Understanding of Privacy Act and HIPAA regulations for safeguarding and disseminating medical information/records.
• Proficiency in using the CIHA electronic health record system.

Work Environment

• Involves various hospital settings, including inpatient wards, recovery centers, outpatient clinics, Emergency Departments, Primary Care Clinics, Satellite Clinics, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.
• Use of standard PPE, including surgical masks, gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear.
• Clinically complex work involving planning and executing a full range of speech language pathology therapy and swallow studies using specialized modalities and techniques.
• Requires adaptability to changes in patient needs, rehabilitation programs, coding/billing requirements, technological developments, and medical knowledge.
• Provides foundational program development for new SLP service lines at CIHA, with opportunities to expand services to satellite clinics and Tsali Care Center.
• Moderately active role requiring the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and lift while assisting patients with exercises, transfers, and ambulation.
• Prolonged standing and walking, manual therapy, fine motor skills for wound care and orthotic production, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Mentally and emotionally demanding at times, requiring visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear.

Schedule

Works an 8-hour shift Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 am and 6:00 pm, as predetermined with the supervisor. Rotation through on-call weekend and holiday schedules is required as outlined in CCC-SLP policies and procedures.