Speech Therapist -Pipeline

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for evaluating patients referred to Speech Therapy, organizing and implementing individualized therapeutic programs with patients, and recording patient progress and response to treatment.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs diagnostic speech pathology test procedures and evaluates communication and swallowing functions of patients, inclusive of bedside swallow evaluations and dysphasia/aphasia assessments
• Interprets and reports test results to facilitate medical diagnosis in partnership with the referring physician
• Provides counseling and education to patients and their families about the patient’s diagnosis and associated impairments (swallowing, voice, motor speech and/or communication impairments), as well as importance of oral hygiene, any necessary diet modifications, compensatory treatments, and tube feeding (as necessary)
• Determines therapeutic plan, including the need for therapy, frequency of treatment, focus for intervention and duration of therapy
• With the relevant qualifications and experience, participation in videofluoroscopic studies, videoendoscopic evaluations, and videolaryngoscopic evaluations to assist in determining the appropriate therapeutic plan of care for patients.
• Selects assistive speech devices to improve patient’s communication, inclusive of voice prosthesis devices for laryngectomized patients
• Performs re-evaluation after therapy to determine progress and thus update patient’s therapeutic plan of care as appropriate
• Provides observations about hearing impairments in patients and makes suggestions to help facilitate the referral to appropriate healthcare provider
• Maintains records of all services within the patient’s electronic medical record
• Communicates results and recommendations for improving communicative function to referral sources and outside agencies if required
• Responsible for helping maintain speech pathology equipment and materials in line with manufacturer recommendations and other relevant departments (ex: Clinical Engineering)
• Perform any other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Speech & Hearing, or Speech Language Pathology, Speech or Communications Sciences & Disorders is required
• PREFERRED -Master’s degree in Speech & Hearing, or Speech Language Pathology, Speech or Communications Sciences & Disorders, followed by a 1 year post-graduate clinical fellowship specializing in swallowing assessments, is preferred (will reduce one (1) year from the required years of experience). Candidates with a master’s degree will be accepted with a basic degree in psychology or language.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years experience in the field of Speech and Hearing Sciences or in Speech Language Pathology is required

Certification and Licensure

• Current national license is required

Job Specific Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish friendly, professional and cooperative relationships with patients, families, physicians and support staff
• Ability to make accurate judgments and decisions based on conclusions for which there is little precedent
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to speak and write in English is required
• Ability to speak and write in Arabic is preferred