Speech-Language Pathologist (Two Openings)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position reports directly to the Rehab Director. A Speech-Language Pathologist, or SLP, works to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children.
 

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Access and treat speech disorders. Speech disorders occur when a person has difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or fluently (e.g., stuttering is a form of disfluency) or has problems with voice or resonance.
• Access and treat language disorders. Language disorders occur when a person has trouble understanding others (receptive language) or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings (expressive language). Language disorders may be spoken or written and may involve the form (phonology, morphology, syntax), content (semantics), and/or use (pragmatics) of language in functional and socially appropriate ways.
• Access and treat social communication disorders. Social communication disorders occur when a person has trouble with the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. These disorders may include problems (a) communicating for social purposes (e.g., greeting, commenting, asking questions), (b) talking in different ways to suit the listener and setting, and (c) following rules for conversation and story-telling.
• Access and treat cognitive-communication disorders. Cognitive communication disorders include problems organizing thoughts, paying attention, remembering, planning, and/or problem-solving. 
• Access and treat swallowing disorders. Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) are feeding and swallowing difficulties. Speech-language pathologists will provide feeding therapy with a holistic and trans-disciplinary approach to clients to improve their developmental feeding skills, nutrition/growth, and functional performance around mealtimes/snacks.
• Provide aural rehabilitation for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Provide augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for individuals with severe expressive and/or language comprehension disorders.
• Reviewing the patient’s progress and adapting the treatment accordingly.
• Performing administrative tasks such as keeping records, writing reports, and making telephone calls.

Patient Education

• Facilitates movement toward a healthcare partnership between providers, patients, and their families. 
• Educates patient/family regarding therapeutic exercises, activities, and equipment.
• Helping patients participate in everyday activities based on their unique circumstances.

Evaluation/Re-evaluations

• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.

Treatment

• Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.

Contribution to Healthcare Team

• Communicates with the larger health team through adequate documentation and charting of patient and department records. They maintain patient confidence by keeping information confidential, keeping the work environment safe and clean, and adhering to infection control and other safety policies.
• Work collaboratively with professionals from many other disciplines.

Maintenance of Department Integrity

• Compliance with federal and state professional requirements. They also maintain professional expertise through continued education as necessitated by licensure and as appropriate for specific treatments. The therapist may further develop the speech/language department by reviewing best practices annually.

Supervision

• Therapists may also supervise speech/language therapy students following standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the state of employment, and the facility.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of traits, processes, and ethics in patient and customer care.
• Demonstrated skills in writing and accessing notes, evaluations, and reports.
• Ability to analyze complex information and software to develop spreadsheets and databases and do word processing.
• Ability to handle medical records discreetly.
• Ability to meet established deadlines.
• Knowledge of medical issues and terminology.
• Standard office equipment, including personal computers and peripherals; multi-line phone system.
• Works well independently and has strong operational skills.
• Learns quickly and has strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Develops strong relationships with coworkers and has strong leadership skills.

EDUCATION:

An associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, business, or a related degree is required. A master’s degree in healthcare management, business, or a related degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

3-5 years of medical office management experience preferred.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

A Certified Medical Manager (CMM) designation from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHOM) is preferred. CPR certification and other relevant certifications may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office environment, exposure to computer screens, frequent contact with the public. Continuous sitting. Some lifting and carrying. Assist in philanthropic efforts for the clinic and perform other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS:

Medical, dental, life insurance, 401K, ample paid time off including spring break, July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

All offers for employment with Moody Clinic are contingent upon the candidate having successfully completed a criminal background check.