Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) - Inpatient

Responsibilities

• Interprets physician referrals and conducts speech and language evaluations of patients with speech, language, voice, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.
• Establishes a written plan of care and implements individualized treatment based on evaluation results, functional goals, and appropriate techniques.
• Monitors and evaluates outcomes, adjusting the treatment plan based on patient response, and provides status updates to physicians and teammates.
• Identifies factors affecting patient comfort and attends to physical and psychosocial needs.
• Plans and completes patient discharge, including home programs, family teaching, community referrals, transition planning, and equipment ordering.
• Communicates and collaborates with stakeholders to achieve optimum patient care.
• Completes required documentation (evaluations, progress notes, reports, discharge summaries) following department policy and accreditation standards.
• Records patient care and progress, completes daily statistics, billing, and scheduling, and applies insurance guidelines for authorization and visit limits.
• Maintains site/department productivity standards and adheres to billing, documentation, and safety policies.
• Performs manual techniques, patient positioning, and transporting duties, including lifting and pushing/pulling using proper technique.
• Demonstrates skill in using modalities, exercise equipment, and other devices, with knowledge of indications and contraindications.
• Promotes patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and following infection control measures.
• Participates in performance improvement activities to resolve patient care issues and improve quality.
• Manages assigned caseload, informs leadership of coverage needs, and assists with regional coverage as required.
• Pursues professional growth through continuing education, in-services, and professional literature.
• Orients new staff to clinical and department policies and participates in co-worker evaluations.
• May supervise non-licensed personnel, delegating tasks while maintaining responsibility for patient care.
• Supports the student clinical education program by supervising at least one student per year unless unavailable.
• Maintains cleanliness of treatment areas, equipment, and workspaces.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from an accredited school or equivalent educational requirements based on graduation date.
• Speech Language Pathologist license issued by the state of practice (or at least one state if supporting multiple).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification (American Heart Association, obtained within 90 days unless exempted).
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Completion of all competency assessments and annual educational requirements for hospital-based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF).
• Knowledge of growth and development principles across the lifespan to provide age-appropriate care.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
  • Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
  • Lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead.
  • Lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance.
  • Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
  • Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with assistance.
• Repetitive use of hands (20% of the workday for simple grasping of 5–15 lbs.).
• Pushing/pulling up to 75–100 lbs. (10% of the workday).
• Fine manipulation of hands for massage and joint mobilization.
• Functional use of senses for effective communication.
• Exposure to electrical/chemical hazards, blood, and body fluids; must wear protective clothing as needed.
• Potential travel exposure to road and weather hazards.
• Operates all necessary job-related equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional certifications, registrations, licenses, experience, or skills as relevant to the role.