SUMMARY:

The Speech-Language Pathologist reports directly to the Clinical Manager and/ or Assistant Clinical Manager (ACM) of their respective department and may receive clinical guidance from senior staff and/or clinical specialists. The Speech-Language Pathologist provides clinical services including screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, management, counseling/education, documentation, and referral for inpatients and outpatients demonstrating speech, voice, feeding, swallowing, language, and/or cognitive impairments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

CommunicationDemonstrates the highest level of communication and professionalism with patients, caregivers, rehabilitation staff, providers, and other health care professionals, both within the academic medical center and in the community.• white-space:preExhibits effective and professional verbal and non-verbal communication• white-space:preCommunicates clearly, respectfully, and honestly with patients and/or caregivers, and colleagues• white-space:preCommunicates proactively with other caregivers involved in patients' care• white-space:preAdjusts communication and response to the level of understanding of the listenerPrincipal Duties• white-space:preEvaluates speech, voice, language, feeding/swallowing, and/or cognitive impairments• white-space:preEstablishes diagnosis, prognosis, and individualized plans of care• white-space:preImplements treatment intervention based on plan of care, considering precautions, indications, and contradictions• white-space:preDirects and coordinates patients' rehabilitation plan of care• white-space:preEvaluates patients' progress and revises goals and plan of care accordingly• white-space:preEducates and trains patients/caregivers• white-space:preAnticipates and communicates discharge/home needs and resources• white-space:preCompletes documentation and charges timely and accurately, in compliance with department policy• white-space:preCompletes clinical documentation reflecting eligibility/ medical necessity of services in compliance with professional and regulatory standards• white-space:preConsistently applies evidence-based practice to all aspects of clinical care• white-space:preSeeks additional guidance when necessary to assure safe and effective patient care• white-space:preRecommends and refers for additional diagnostic testing and/or services• white-space:preDevelops, selects, and prescribes multimodal augmentative and alternative communication systems, including unaided strategies (e.g., manual signs/gestures) and aided strategies (e.g., speech-generating devices, manual communication boards, picture schedules). • white-space:preSelects, fits, and establishes effective use of appropriate prostheticdaptive devices for communication and swallowing (e.g. electrolarynges, speaking valves.).• white-space:preUses instrumental technology to diagnose and treat disorders of communication and swallowing (e.g. Videofluoroscopy for speech and swallowing, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Videostroboscopy, Videnonasophagyngoscopy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, computer technology).• white-space:preServices patients and their families/caregivers with hearing loss (e.g., auditory training for patients with cochlear implants and hearing aids; speech and language intervention secondary to hearing loss). • white-space:preProvides assessment and intervention for patients diagnosed with auditory processing disorders.• white-space:preScreens patients for hearing loss or middle ear pathology using conventional pure-tone air conduction methods.• white-space:preModifies and/or enhances communication performance (e.g., accent modification, care and improvement of the professional voice).Additional Duties• white-space:preComplies with hospital and departmental policies and guidelines• white-space:preParticipates in strategic departmental quality improvement initiatives• white-space:preProvides education to other hospital departments/personnel, students, and outside agencies/schools.• white-space:preDemonstrates ability to flex schedule based on department, patient, and/or caregiver need• white-space:preDetermines priorities according to departmental and patient care need• white-space:preParticipates in community based professional events.• white-space:preParticipates in ongoing educational activities.• white-space:preSupports and promotes departmental teamwork• white-space:preCompletes mandatory departmental and hospital training on time

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited institution.State License issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health, or Provisional Rhode Island State License for Clinical Fellows involved in supervised clinical fellowship year.Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).For clinical fellows, evidence of pursuit of ASHA certification.EXPERIENCE:One to two years' experience or eligibility for provisional license from the State of Rhode Island.Clinical Fellows will be considered.WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Fit for duty in accordance with OSHA standards and program specific needsINDEPENDENT ACTION:Performs independently within the department's policies and practicesRefers specific complex problems to ACM and/or Clinical Manager when clarification of departmental policies and procedures is requiredIndependently sets goals for professional developmentMembership and involvement in discipline specific professional organization and/or other clinically relevant organization is strongly encouragedSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:No direct supervision. However, pursuant to the state of Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Licensing Speech-Language Pathologist, a licensed therapist shall at all times be responsible for the clinical supervision of supportive personnel, Clinical Fellows, and students to ensure the safety and welfare of patients, including cosigning notes, reviewing patient treatment plans and goals.

Pay Range:
$74,672.00-$123,198.40

Location:
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Work Type:
M-F 7:30-6 (flexible days of the week)
Work Shift:
Day
Daily Hours:
10 hours
Driving Required:
No