Speech Language Pathologist

Baystate Health•Springfield, MA

About The Position

Plans, conducts, and evaluates medically directed speech pathology programs for assigned patients to restore or develop communication and swallowing or feeding skills. Assesses patients with functional and organic speech disorders or receptive and expressive language disorders, develops treatment programs, and adjusts treatment based on patient progress. Instructs patients and families in rehabilitative speech and language practices, monitors progress, and maintains clinical records. The incumbent is expected to function independently, perform other similar and related duties as assigned, and observe health and safety requirements.

Requirements

Required work experience: 0–3 years.
Demonstrated competent clinical practice using clinical decision-making and critical-thinking skills to deliver effective and efficient patient care with healthcare providers across the continuum of care.
Ability to use clinical decision-making to achieve desired patient and family outcomes.
Experienced-level speech therapy skills; physiological knowledge; health promotion and maintenance; creating a safe, effective environment; motivating others; legal compliance; quality focus; bedside manner; clinical skills; persistence; and energy.

Responsibilities

Identifies, evaluates, treats, and follows up with assigned inpatient and/or outpatient clients, providing age-appropriate care and applying developmental knowledge as appropriate.
Evaluates diagnostic and therapeutic materials and equipment, contributes to purchasing decisions, and maintains the condition of materials, equipment, and tests used.
Initiates and follows up on necessary client-related actions; determines plans and recommendations for continued care; and counsels clients, families, and others regarding hearing impairment identification and treatment.
Completes department operational procedures, including scheduling, billing, equipment usage, time-off requests, and caseload coverage assignments.
Demonstrates and applies relevant clinical skills in evaluation, treatment, and counseling.
Meets department productivity expectations.
Maintains a safe and clean working environment and complies with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
Uses the professional code of ethics to establish therapeutic relationships with patients and families; assumes responsibility for a defined caseload; makes clinical decisions for complex patients; anticipates problems and mentors colleagues in developing clinical decision-making skills.
Assesses patients and collects basic data to identify patient and family needs; collects and interprets complex patient data under therapist supervision; recognizes limits of own clinical knowledge and seeks multidisciplinary collaboration.
Adheres to standards of practice, policies, procedures, and protocols; makes clinical decisions for identified non-complex patients; plans for expected and unexpected changes involving complex patients and mentors colleagues in these skills.
Establishes plans of care with patient and family input, prioritizes care, recognizes personal limitations, and seeks appropriate internal resources.
Documents and follows through on plans of care, focusing on patient and family participation and response; proactively coordinates multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary discharge planning for a specific patient population.
Questions the appropriateness of standards of care, policies, procedures, and protocols and initiates continuing education plans to meet changing professional practice demands.
Participates in team meetings and discussions regarding patient and family care and practice issues.