Speech-Language Pathologist II - 30 hours (Sign On Bonus Eligible)

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 improve conditions, treating a variety of speech disorders and communication difficulties.

A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of lower-level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation, or delivery of processes, programs, and policies using specialized knowledge typically acquired through advanced education. This is an experienced-level role requiring practical knowledge obtained through advanced education and work experience, working independently with general supervision.

This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient settings and is responsible for documenting all age-appropriate patient care in the medical record to comply with departmental and Joint Commission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and/or screens patients referred to Speech and Language Pathology with professional competency and efficiency, delivering care to patients from infancy to adulthood.
• Covers both adult outpatient (swallowing, speech, cognition, language) and adult inpatient acute services.
• Educates and counsels patients, staff, and caregivers on diagnosis, etiology, and rehabilitation trajectory.
• Prepares complete written reports of evaluations and progress of individual cases.
• Selects appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services, providing high-quality patient care.
• Determines clinical indication and timeline trajectory for instrumental swallowing evaluations.
• Completes documentation, including evaluation reports, progress notes, periodic re-assessments, and discharge summaries in a timely manner.
• Complies with insurance requirements, including obtaining MD signatures and insurance approvals.
• Develops goals related to hydration/nutrition plans and safe provision of medication for the acute care setting.
• Educates and in-services staff on clinical skills, acting as a clinical liaison to other staff.
• Assumes accountability for professional growth and development to maintain clinical competency.
• Independently applies, performs, and interprets FEES and MBS.
• Collaborates with Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Residents, and Pulmonary on care plan progression for patients with tracheostomy.
• Stays abreast of current literature and acquires knowledge and skills regarding new tests, instruments, and machines in the field.
• May initiate or participate in research projects as required.
• Assists with holiday and weekend coverage PRN via on-call schedule.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association.
• Massachusetts state Speech Therapist License.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• One (1) year of experience as a Speech Therapist.

Preferred Qualifications

• Acute care experience.
• MBS and FEES experience.

Skills & Abilities

• Broad foundation of knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating patients with speech, language, cognitive, and communicative disorders.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills, including communication and teamwork, working one-on-one or in a group.
• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and well-organized.
• Ability to function well in busy situations and adjust to changes at a moment’s notice.
• Maturity to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Able to work effectively with a wide variety of patients with acute and long-term disabilities.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients across all age populations.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effects and adjust the plan of care as appropriate.
• Demonstrates proper time management skills to attain department productivity while ensuring quality patient care.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and transferring of patients.
• Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate a computer keyboard.
• Dexterity to provide quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques to a wide variety of patients.
• Ability to see computer screens and reports.
• Visually assess injury and functional status of patients.
• Audibly assess patient subjective complaints.

Pay

The base pay range for this role is $83,200.00 - $98,614.15. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity.

Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports health, financial security, and career growth.