Speech Language Pathologist - Full-Time - Home and Community

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Speech Language Pathologist assumes responsibility for evaluating patients’ speech therapy needs and planning and delivering individualized treatment programs consistent with ASHA standards and the SLP scope of practice. The role serves patients in home and community programs and works collaboratively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to establish patient-centered goals, monitor progress, and revise treatment as needed. The clinician documents evaluations, progress, and discharge summaries in accordance with internal and external deadlines and reimbursement guidelines; educates patients, families, and care workers; evaluates and orders medical equipment when appropriate; and contributes to discharge planning. The position also supports program operations, clinical outcomes, quality improvement, and organizational objectives. Depending on program needs, responsibilities may include training new staff, supervising students or Clinical Fellowship Year clinicians, and participating in program development or research.

Requirements

Master of Science or Master of Arts in Speech Pathology from an accredited university program.
Speech-language pathology licensure in every U.S. state or territory where the therapist practices or is in Clinical Fellowship Year, in accordance with applicable state laws.
SLP-CCC certification is required for therapists practicing in DC, NC, WV, KY, MN, NE, KS, NM, NV, or ID, per Medicaid billing requirements.
Maintain BLS certification in accordance with department or program protocol.
For the Munson location, current American Heart Association BLS Course for Healthcare Professionals is required; training will be provided within 60 days of hire if applicable.
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 patient data and identify age-specific care needs.
Demonstrate competence with relevant software and hardware required for job responsibilities.
Meet the physical requirements described for the role, including frequent positioning to perform essential functions and handling specified loads.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patient condition and determine the need for speech therapy.
Establish patient-centered treatment goals with patients, families, and the treatment team, and develop and administer written treatment plans.
Delegate responsibilities to Speech Assistants when appropriate.
Re-evaluate patient status and treatment effects, revise treatment plans as needed, and review revised goals with patients and families.
Assess patients’ medical equipment needs, order appropriate equipment, evaluate it upon delivery, and instruct patients, families, and health care workers in its use.
Participate in discharge planning in consideration of the patient, family, community supports and services, and environmental limitations.
Document patient status and progress through evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries in compliance with time standards and reimbursement guidelines.
Communicate and coordinate speech language pathology services with interdisciplinary team members, including participation in conferences and exchange of written records as needed.
Educate patients and families about speech language pathology procedures, providing written instructions when necessary.
Attend designated meetings and in-services and follow hospital policies, including confidentiality and infection-control requirements.
Meet or exceed program productivity expectations and clinical outcome collection and performance-improvement goals.
Provide discipline-specific coverage within the Mary Free Bed system after cross-training, as requested.
Follow the Mary Free Bed Standards of Behavior and support program operations as assigned.
Encourage teamwork and direct communication, handle confidential information discreetly, and promote customer and patient/family satisfaction.
Identify quality-improvement problems and seek solutions; participate in departmental customer-service monitoring and reporting.
As needed, participate in orientation and training of new staff, serve as a clinical instructor for students, supervise Clinical Fellowship Year clinicians, and participate in program development or research activities.
Maintain relevant clinical skills through continuing education, evidence-based research, and program development.