Speech Therapist II - NICU/Feeding (PRN)

Denver Health and Hospital Authority • Denver, CO

1d

About The Position

The Speech Therapist II provides goal-directed speech and language pathology evaluation, treatment, and discharge planning, practicing independently within the scope of licensure. The role includes initial and ongoing assessment of patients and delivery of safe, competent therapy for communication, cognitive, swallowing, and related needs. The therapist evaluates patient abilities and limitations, develops individualized therapeutic plans, independently manages a full caseload, and uses sound clinical reasoning and decision-making to meet departmental quality and productivity standards.

The role follows established clinical protocols and standards of practice and collaborates with interdisciplinary care teams, patients, families, and caregivers to coordinate patient-centered treatment. It also contributes to a collaborative learning environment through day-to-day guidance and mentorship for students and colleagues, particularly in areas of clinical strength.

The position is PRN/intermittent and works days. The listed pay range is $38.46–$59.62 per hour. Denver Health describes its benefits as including retirement contributions, well-being programs, tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, professional development, and potential loan-forgiveness eligibility. The position is with Denver Health’s Speech Pathology department at the main campus inpatient service.

Requirements

• Master’s degree.
• 4–6 years of Speech Language Pathology experience.
• Current BLS/CPR certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Speech Language Pathologist license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
• Advanced knowledge of speech therapy theory, principles, professional guidelines, and evidence-based practice, with the ability to apply these independently.
• Advanced knowledge of patient-care safety principles.
• Ability to manage a caseload, complete documentation promptly and appropriately, and meet departmental productivity expectations.
• Knowledge of Denver Health standards, policies, and procedures relevant to speech therapy.
• Skill in the proper use of medical and diagnostic instruments and equipment.
• Clear communication with patients, families, and team members; professionalism, teamwork, and contribution to a supportive team culture.
• Ability to incorporate facility and regulatory requirements into clinical decisions and documentation.
• Active participation in or leadership of departmental process-improvement or program-development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and document patients’ communication, cognitive, swallowing, and related abilities in accordance with departmental, hospital, and professional standards.
• Develop measurable, reasonable, functional treatment goals and individualized plans of care based on evaluation findings.
• Explain findings, proposed interventions, risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives to patients and caregivers; reassess and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Provide appropriate treatment within professional guidelines, adapting interventions to diagnosis, patient needs, and response to therapy.
• Use therapeutic techniques and compensatory strategies to maximize patient independence and functional outcomes.
• Complete timely, accurate, compliant documentation of evaluations, treatment, care plans, and discharge recommendations; support medical necessity and continuity of care.
• Update medical records according to regulatory, accreditation, payer, and organizational requirements, and submit patient charges according to department guidelines.
• Coordinate care with physicians, nurses, case managers, rehabilitation staff, and other interdisciplinary team members; communicate patient status, progress, recommendations, and safety concerns in a timely manner.
• Complete treatment authorizations, plan-of-care updates, medical-necessity documentation, and progress reports in accordance with applicable standards.
• Support transitions of care by sharing clinical information, updating patient status, planning follow-up, and providing recommendations to care partners.
• Collaborate to resolve barriers to care and support patient readiness for discharge.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers about speech therapy principles, methods, and techniques.
• Review research and continue to expand clinical reasoning skills.
• Participate in new employee onboarding and student orientation, and mentor colleagues.
• Contribute to departmental process-improvement projects, trainings, competencies, and program-development initiatives.

Benefits

• Retirement plan with employer contribution of 3%.
• On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes.
• Community resource navigation support.
• Childcare discount programs.
• Discounts and perks on brands, travel, and more.
• Tuition assistance and education and development opportunities, including career pathways and coaching.
• Career advancement pathways and professional development.
• Loan-forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions.
• Nationally recognized well-being programs.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level