Job Summary
The Speech Therapist 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. 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.
Performs other duties as assigned. Maintains regular and reliable attendance. Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program required 1-3 years as a Speech Therapist in a clinical, hospital, or rehabilitation setting required Experience with Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and dysphagia management preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of speech-language pathology principles, evaluation techniques, and treatment methodologies. Proficiency in performing Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and interpreting results. Excellent documentation and record-keeping skills to ensure accuracy in patient records and billing. Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively educate patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Knowledge of healthcare regulations, HIPAA compliance, and ethical standards in speech therapy practice.
Licenses and Certifications
Health Services SLP - Speech Language Practitioner license in state of employment required or ST - Speech Therapist license in state of employment required BCLS - Basic Life Support required
Community Health Systems, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) 330 HRSA Grantee with Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status. Established from the roots of Inland Empire Community Health Center in Bloomington, CHSI has grown with community health centers in the counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. These centers have been developed in accordance with standards established for safety net providers by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC).
As such, services are offered to the neediest in each community - the un-insured and under-insured, the working poor, those with limited ability to pay, the homeless, and the indigent. Services are provided at discounted (sliding fee scale) rates for those who qualify based on gross annual income and family size.