Speech Language Pathologist - (Acute Care)

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Saginaw, MI

About The Position

The Speech-Language Pathologist provides speech-language pathology services in an acute care setting, taking responsibility for evaluating patients’ needs, planning and administering individualized treatment, and reassessing progress. Treatment is delivered in accordance with ASHA standards and the SLP scope of practice, with patient-centered goals developed collaboratively with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team. The role also supports discharge planning, patient and family education, equipment needs, accurate documentation, and integration of speech-language pathology services with other aspects of care. The therapist maintains and develops clinical skills through continuing education, evidence-based research, and program development, and performs responsibilities in support of the program’s and organization’s strategic objectives.

Requirements

Master of Science or Master of Arts in Speech Pathology from an accredited university program.
Licensure in every U.S. state and territory where the therapist practices, in accordance with applicable state laws.
SLP-CCC certification is required in states where Medicaid billing requirements specify it: DC, NC, WV, KY, MN, NE, KS, NM, NV, and ID.
Possess and maintain BLS certification in accordance with department or program protocol.
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to provide age-appropriate care, including knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan and the ability to assess and interpret patient information to identify age-specific needs.
Ability to meet the physical requirements listed for the role, including occasional movement around the work location, keyboard use, positioning, and handling specified weights.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care, treatment, and services within the scope of the employee’s license, certification, or registration and as required by law and regulation.
Evaluate patients’ conditions and needs for speech therapy.
Establish patient-centered treatment goals in collaboration with patients, families as appropriate, and the treatment team.
Create written treatment plans and administer treatment according to established goals.
Delegate responsibilities to Speech Assistants as appropriate.
Re-evaluate patients’ status and treatment effects, revise treatment plans as necessary, and review revised goals with patients and families as appropriate.
Evaluate patients’ needs for medical equipment, order appropriate equipment, assess it upon delivery, and instruct patients, families, and health care workers in its use.
Participate in discharge planning, considering and communicating with patients, families, community support and services, and environmental limitations.
Document patient status and progress through initial evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries according to time standards and reimbursement guidelines.
Communicate and coordinate with interdisciplinary team members to integrate speech-language pathology services with all aspects of patient care.
Instruct patients and families in speech-language pathology procedures, providing written instructions as necessary.
Attend designated meetings and in-services.
Follow hospital policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality and infection control requirements.
Meet or exceed program productivity expectations and support program operations as assigned.
Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behavior, encourage and monitor these standards in team members, promote teamwork and direct communication, and handle confidential information discreetly and sensitively.
Contribute to quality improvement by identifying problems, seeking solutions, supporting patient and family satisfaction, and participating in departmental customer-service monitoring and reporting.
Maintain and upgrade treatment skills through continuing education, evidence-based research, and program development.
Demonstrate competence in relevant software and hardware required for the role.
Adhere to Mary Free Bed Standards of Behavior when working with patients, coworkers, and community members.