Position General Summary: 

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. This position is an Essential position at the facility to ensure efficient operations and patient care. Employees hired into an Essential position are expected to report to work for their scheduled shifts regardless of the environmental weather and road conditions that may exist. 

Position Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assessing, diagnosing, screening, and preventing language, speech, and swallowing disorders.
• Communicating with the patient, and liaising with their family members, physicians, and teachers to design effective treatment plans.
• Using tried and tested therapies in combination with new, innovative techniques to provide the best care.
• Keeping up-to-date with advancements in the field by attending conferences, conducting research, and expanding professional and academic networks.
• Educating patients and their families on speech disorders and available therapies.
• Taking detailed notes on patient history and progress.
• Providing mentoring and workshops to speech therapy students.
• Evaluating patient progress and implementing changes to therapy programs as required.

Facility General Responsibilities: 

• Attend facility new hire orientation as scheduled by HR
• Complete Department Orientation Initial Competency within 7 days of hire date
• Complete Department Initial Skills Competency within 90 days of hire date
• Follow facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures
• Respect cultural and religious practices of patients from all backgrounds
• Follow HIPAA regulations at all times
• Be punctual and dependent for assigned shifts
• Dress within the dress code requirements of the facility
• Identifies all patients using at least two identifiers verbally (name and DOB), and by checking ID bracelet
• Follows Hospital Wide and Department Specific policies and procedures
• Must interact with physicians, guest, staff, and patients pleasantly, cooperatively, and effectively

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Sound understanding of speech-related disorders and treatments.
• Familiarity with database management software.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.
• Resourcefulness and strong problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to conduct research and travel to conferences as required.

Position Requirements: Education, Work Experience, Licensure, Certifications: 

• Master’s degree in speech therapy or speech-language pathology.
• Relevant licensure and certification.
• 1 year of experience in speech therapy in a hospital or long-term care setting.

Working Conditions: 

Patients need round-the-clock care; therefore working hours include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Speech therapy staff spends a considerable amount of time walking, bending, stretching, lifting, and standing; therefore, they must follow proper body mechanics to guard against injury. Speech therapy staff must be able to work accurately around frequent interruptions. Speech therapy staff may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases and must be prepared for such instances and take proper precautions at all times. In addition, speech therapy staff may have to care for patients that may be confused, irrational, agitated, and/or uncooperative. 

Physical Requirements / Demands: 

• Ability to lift twenty (20) pounds. Moving, lifting, or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to bend, lean, and stoop without hindrance; requires a full range of body motion
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity; normal range of hearing

Statement of Non-Inclusivity: 

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, and qualifications which may be required of or given to any employee assigned to the position. The skills, duties, requirements, and responsibilities outlined in this job description may be changed or added to when deemed appropriate and necessary by the company or the person who is designated to be managerially responsible for this position. Receipt of the job description does not imply nor create a promise of employment, nor an employment contract of any kind. Employment with the company is an at-will relationship.