Speech Language Pathologist (Per Diem) (AFSCME)

Boston Medical Center•Boston, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to provide comprehensive AAC services for adult inpatient and outpatient individuals with complex communication needs. The AAC Specialist conducts thorough evaluations to identify communication strengths, barriers, and functional needs, and develops individualized intervention plans that promote effective, person-centered communication. The AAC Specialist evaluates, recommends, and implements a full continuum of communication support, including no-tech, low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech AAC systems, speech-generating devices (SGDs), alternative access methods, and related assistive technologies. The specialist provides patient and caregiver education, device programming and customization, training, troubleshooting, and ongoing follow-up to maximize successful long-term use. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the AAC Specialist collaborates closely with physicians, occupational and physical therapists, respiratory therapists, nursing staff, social workers, rehabilitation professionals, AAC manufacturers, and funding agencies to ensure appropriate device selection, comprehensive documentation for insurance authorization, successful implementation, and continuity of care across inpatient, outpatient, home, and community settings. The AAC Specialist also serves as a clinical resource and advocate, promoting evidence-based AAC practices and advancing communication access for individuals with complex communication needs.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited institution.
Current license and certification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ASHA.
ASHA membership required.
Current CPR certification.
AAC experience in a hospital setting beyond a clinical fellowship is required.
Analytical abilities sufficient to evaluate patients' condition, capabilities and progress to develop appropriate treatment programs.
Effective interpersonal skills to be socially perceptive in accepting and relaying confidential information, communicating policies and procedures, and interacting with patients, families and various members of the health care team.
Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
Basic computer proficiency, including MS Office.
Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations.
Ability to maintain strict protocols of all confidential or sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough evaluations to identify communication strengths, barriers, and functional needs.
Develop individualized intervention plans that promote effective, person-centered communication.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement a full continuum of communication support, including no-tech, low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech AAC systems, speech-generating devices (SGDs), alternative access methods, and related assistive technologies.
Provide patient and caregiver education, device programming and customization, training, troubleshooting, and ongoing follow-up to maximize successful long-term use.
Collaborate with physicians, occupational and physical therapists, respiratory therapists, nursing staff, social workers, rehabilitation professionals, AAC manufacturers, and funding agencies.
Ensure appropriate device selection, comprehensive documentation for insurance authorization, successful implementation, and continuity of care across inpatient, outpatient, home, and community settings.
Serve as a clinical resource and advocate, promoting evidence-based AAC practices and advancing communication access for individuals with complex communication needs.