Speech & Lang Path-Phys Med

Hurley•Flint, MI

About The Position

Specializes in diagnosing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders while following all safety and infection-control standards. Participates in quality management and continuous quality improvement activities and performs duties in a courteous, customer-focused manner consistent with the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior. Works under the supervision of a departmental director, therapy coordinator, or designee, who reviews work for compliance with established policies, procedures, and standards. Clinical Fellowship Year incumbents may receive clinical direction from an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Speech-Language Pathologists with ASHA Certification of Clinical Competence may supervise Clinical Fellows, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, and student externs.

Requirements

Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge of various diagnostic categories and habilitation and rehabilitation methodologies.
Knowledge of communication alternatives, including artificial larynges, augmentative communication devices, and voice prostheses.
Familiarity with medications and their effects on cognition and functional activity level.
Familiarity with third-party payer requirements.
Demonstrated competency in the interventions being provided.
Ability to instruct patients in the use and care of medical equipment.
Ability to meet departmental performance standards.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, Medical Center employees, patients, and the public.
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology, eligibility for certification, or active completion of the Clinical Fellowship Year requirement for certification.
Michigan state licensure.
Incumbents who have not obtained certification within one year of employment may be terminated.

Responsibilities

Administer standardized and non-standardized diagnostic tests for inpatients with communication and swallowing impairments, interpret findings, and develop function-based plans of care with input from patients and families.
Treat patients with communication and swallowing impairments using current treatment techniques, adjusting plans based on patient response and considering risk factors, family learning, barriers to goals, and medication effects on cognition and functional activity.
Document care plans, daily treatment, periodic progress notes, and discharge summaries in accordance with departmental standards.
Conduct pure tone audiometry tests, report findings promptly and concisely, and refer patients for audiological follow-up when indicated.
Identify patients at risk for aspiration, assist with modified barium swallow studies, and recommend compensatory strategies and safe swallowing techniques to other care staff.
Instruct patients in the use and care of medical equipment associated with speech therapy.
Develop and implement home programs and instruct patients and family members in them as appropriate.
Contribute relevant information at interdisciplinary team and family conferences.
Keep current with clinical and administrative practice trends through continuing education; mentor students and advise Clinical Fellowship Year candidates.
Collaborate with team members on referrals to community and school-based programs.
Provide care consistent with third-party payer requirements.
Use effective judgment to understand and respond competently to the unique needs of patient groups served, and provide treatment when appropriate.
Perform other related duties as required and use improvements or technology relevant to the job assignment.