Speech Therapist- Per Diem Weekday & Weekends
About The Position
This clinician evaluates and diagnoses complex speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders, then recommends plans of care that may include therapy, referrals, further evaluations, or home training programs to help patients achieve maximum functional independence. The position may serve patients in inpatient and outpatient settings, including acute care general floors and ICUs, and provides care across age groups from infancy through adulthood. The clinician documents patient care in the medical record in accordance with department policies, procedures, and Joint Commission requirements, and may supervise other staff clinicians. The role includes assessing and treating a broad range of speech, language, cognitive, and communication disorders; selecting appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services; educating and counseling patients, caregivers, and staff; and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. The clinician also contributes to staff development, clinical instruction, conferences, workload coordination, and potentially research. Holiday and weekend coverage is provided on an as-needed basis through an on-call schedule. The position is per diem. The stated pay range is $44.17–$56.32, based on full-time equivalent; individual offers consider relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity. Tufts Medicine describes its Total Rewards package as supporting health, financial security, and career growth.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association.
- Massachusetts state Speech Therapist License.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
- Eight years of experience as a Speech Therapist.
- Broad knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating speech, language, cognitive, and communication disorders.
- Interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, including ability to work individually and in groups.
- Ability to work independently, remain self-motivated and organized, and function in busy situations.
- Responsibility, reliability, flexibility, and ability to adjust to change at short notice.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary setting and with patients with acute and long-term disabilities.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
- Ability to assess patients across age groups and provide appropriate care.
- Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effects and adjust plans of care as appropriate.
- Time-management skills to meet department productivity expectations while maintaining quality patient care.
- Ability to perform frequent standing, walking, and patient transfers.
- Manual dexterity for computer keyboard use, quantitative testing, and manual treatment techniques.
- Ability to see computer screens and reports and visually assess patients’ injuries and functional status, as well as audibly assess subjective complaints.
Nice To Haves
- FEES experience.
- Acute care experience.
- MBS experience.
- NICU experience.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and screen patients referred to Speech and Language Pathology, providing competent and efficient care across ages from infancy to adulthood.
- Evaluate and treat inpatients in acute care settings, including general floors and ICUs.
- Recommend therapy, referrals, extended evaluations, or clinician-monitored home training programs as appropriate.
- Prepare written reports documenting evaluations and patient progress.
- Determine clinical indications and timelines for instrumental swallowing evaluations.
- Select and provide appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services.
- Educate and counsel patients, staff, and caregivers about diagnoses, causes, and rehabilitation plans.
- Assess and treat patients accurately and document care thoroughly and promptly.
- Complete evaluation reports, progress notes, reassessments, and discharge summaries on time; comply with insurance requirements, including obtaining physician signatures and approvals.
- Participate in staff and family conferences to establish and reassess treatment goals, review progress, and coordinate services.
- Provide clinical education and in-service training to staff, act as a clinical liaison, maintain professional competency, and serve as a clinical instructor.
- Collaborate with Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Residents, and Pulmonary teams on care progression for patients with tracheostomies.
- Monitor workloads and assist the appointment secretary in scheduling sufficient clinical activity to meet workload requirements.
- Keep current with professional literature and develop knowledge and skills related to new tests, instruments, and machines.
- Maintain working knowledge of the patient care program and devices available to patients.
- Initiate or participate in research projects when required.
- Assist with holiday and weekend coverage on an as-needed basis through an on-call schedule.
- Supervise other staff clinicians as applicable.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Total Rewards package described as supporting health, financial security, and career growth.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Senior
