PRN Speech Pathologist

Job Summary The Speech Pathologist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication, social communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. This role develops and implements individualized treatment plans to restore communicative efficiency and improve patient outcomes. The Speech Therapist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Essential Functions

• Evaluates and assesses speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders, considering educational, medical, social, and psychological factors across diverse patient populations.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans, incorporating appropriate therapeutic interventions to optimize patient outcomes.
• Provides treatment for patients with communication impairments of both organic and nonorganic etiology.
• Performs Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) evaluations in collaboration with the Radiology department and effectively communicates results.
• Documents treatment interventions, patient progress, outcomes, and response to therapy in the medical record daily.
• Ensures proper coding and accurate maintenance of charge logs for billing and compliance purposes.
• Uses evidence-based techniques and positive reinforcement to encourage patient participation in therapy sessions.
• Consults with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate referrals for additional services when needed.
• Provides education and training to patients, families, and caregivers through verbal, written, and demonstrative instruction to support continuity of care.
• Collaborates with other speech therapy professionals and interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and maximize therapeutic outcomes.
• Engages in discharge planning, providing necessary follow-up recommendations and physician feedback.
• Conducts comprehensive speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing evaluations, including Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies when indicated.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program required
• 1-3 years of clinical experience in speech-language pathology preferred
• Experience with Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and dysphagia management preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in evaluating and treating a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders.
• Skilled in completing Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and interpreting results.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of documentation standards and EMR systems.
• Understanding of ethical practice standards and regulatory compliance in healthcare.

Licenses and Certifications

• SLP - Speech Language Pathologist license in state of employment required or
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA or in Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) under supervision required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required