Speech Language Pathologist

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)•Sitka, AK

27d•$42 - $59•Hybrid

About The Position

The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is responsible for providing general Speech - Language Pathology (SLP) evaluations and treatments that impact a patient’s functional abilities. This role involves patient assessment, evaluation, establishing a plan of care, and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of ages and diagnoses. The SLP will inform clinical teams regarding SLP therapy decisions, make recommendations impacting services and care placement, and contribute to program development, quality improvement, and productivity enhancement. Accurate documentation for continuity of care and reimbursement is essential. The position requires good judgment, tact, and interpersonal skills to manage demanding situations and diverse personalities. Potential risks include exposure to infectious organisms and latex, requiring appropriate precautions. The job may involve repetitive or heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) and physically demanding movements, necessitating good body mechanics. Services can be provided in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, off-site locations, community events, home visits, and remote locations, with occasional multi-day travel to remote areas by boat or plane in potentially harsh weather.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited program.
Incumbent must obtain or have CCC-SLP within the first year of employment and maintain certification throughout employment.
Licensed by the State of Alaska in the field of Speech Language Pathology
Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is required after the first year of employment.
Current and valid Driver’s License.
Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of hire
Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years
High Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and every year
Physiology of speech production and swallowing including respiration, phonation, articulation resonance anatomic structures, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology supporting speech, language, hearing, swallowing, respiration, the vocal/aero digestive tract, and organic etiologies of disorders of communication.
Ability to administer a variety of standardized assessments, being able to select the most appropriate test for a specific client and implement treatments accordingly.
Knowledge of various techniques for providing sound assessments, evaluation & treatment planning, and treatments for patients presenting various diagnosis with functional deficits among the general population.
Knowledge of regulations and practice standards as they relate to SLP including billing mechanisms (Medicaid, Medicare, and third-party payers) that may be available for patient equipment and service.
SLP evaluation and treatment skills: skill in assessing, treating, and evaluating speech and language therapy patients while synthesizing knowledge of neurological diseases and formulating the results of evaluation into a treatment plan to assist physicians and other professional health staff in proper diagnosis and treatment including modified barium swallow exams in settings where this service is available.
Skill in expressing self clearly and effectively in written and spoken communication, such as in both daily documentation of written reports, client progress notes, narrative summaries, as well as in effectively training clinical and non-clinical staff; consulting with upper management, outside agencies, organizations, and subordinates; networking with other providers in the community; and proficient in public speaking.
Proficiency with computers including multiple software applications, interface with multiple programs and use of laptops, tablets, and imaging devices.
Must have the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, teachers, community members and non- SLP service professional persons of any level of understanding. Including the ability to translate complex SLP service diagnoses, evaluations, and therapies into simple oral and written language that others can understand.
Must have the physical ability to deliver treatment techniques and assist patient mobility while keeping patients self-safe. Allowing the therapist to work effectively with patients and their families for proven therapeutic progress.
Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in all aspects of employment such as patient care, workplace safety and employee relations.

Nice To Haves

Acute care hospital experience including subspecialty areas including dysphasia and neurology are preferred.
In settings where provided, prefer experience performing Modified Barium Swallow studies (MBSS) / video fluoroscopic swallowing studies, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEEs) and bedside “clinical” swallowing examinations.

Responsibilities

Provides services by physician referral in multiple settings, including inpatient, outpatient, Home Health, and Long-Term Care.
Provides assessment, performs evaluation, identifies therapy diagnosis, formulates therapy treatment plan with goals and implements treatment of Speech-Language Pathology services to patients.
Responsible as the primary therapy provider to implement, supervise and modify a therapy plan of care based on assessment of patient response to optimize the outcome for each patient.
Reviews clinical records and case histories.
Attends care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals to review patient’s status and individual needs within the health care team concept.
Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge.
Documents patients’ encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plan, recommendations, and prognoses in appropriate format according to hospital and/or Home Health policies.
Provides services in a timely manner after receipt of referral to both In-patient and out-patient settings as assigned.
Directs the work of support staff, students, or interns.
Develops, implements, and conducts patient education and therapy programs based on patient and/or family needs.
Provides patients and families home exercise programs to achieve the fullest rehabilitative potential.
Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and independence, facilitating movement towards a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients, and their families.
Teaches home programs demonstrating sensitivity to cross cultural issues.
Performs therapy services in SEARHC Community Health Services programs and the community at large including SEARHC Community clinics, Community Senior Centers, home assessments and other collaborative efforts.
May include participation with project or health promotion teams.
Uses video conferencing for training, patient encounters, and administrative duties with off-site locations.
Performs home assessments for evaluation of patient’s living arrangements, use of Durable Medical Equipment and implementation of therapy plan in the home living environment.
Assists senior staff in administrative matters, clinic operations, and specialty/research areas as appropriate.
Utilizes the hospital computer system to obtain patient information, keep abreast of hospital directives, and participate in the timely and efficient flow of information.
Provides summary of results, statistics, and metrics as required by management.
Assists acquisition and fit of durable medical equipment/devices based on needs of patient.
Maintains supply stocks and clinical area at acceptable levels.
Remains current in specific billing procedures/mechanisms (Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payers) to aid in reimbursement of services and equipment, including plan of care concurrence with referring providers.
Maintains cleanliness of clinical space.
Educates staff on SLP issues and educates patient/family with therapeutic exercises, activities, and equipment.
Assists in committee and management duties within and representing the Rehabilitation Services Department as requested.
Provides therapy consultation, presentations, and in-service to medical staff, consultants, and other interdisciplinary health care personnel and patient populations regarding therapy services as assigned.
Participates as a learner or teacher in clinical education, in-service, etc.
Adheres to the regulatory and practice standards of Speech-Language Pathology set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Follows all SEARHC confidentiality and quality assurance standards.
Demonstrates sensitivity to cross cultural issues.
Performs other duties or activities as assigned.