Speech Pathologist

Job Summary

Diagnoses and treats speech & language problems and feeding & swallowing (dysphagia) problems resulting from acute illness, disease and trauma. Evaluates speech and language skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors. Plans, directs, or conducts rehabilitative treatment programs to restore or improve communication and swallow function. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within speech language pathology field. Relies on knowledge, experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks including diagnostic tests, therapeutic activities and appropriate documentation. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Essential Functions

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• Under a physician's direction, provides direct patient / resident treatment based on established plan of care.
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• Evaluates language, speech or hearing test results as well as medical information and barium swallow results to diagnose and develop a treatment plan for swallowing, fluency, language, speech and voice disorders.
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• Evaluates and treats patients with primary diagnoses of stroke, progressive diseases, brain cancer, and head/neck cancer.
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• Develops treatment plans to address deficits such as aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, dysphonia, and cognitive-linguistic impairments.
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• Assesses patient needs and adjust treatments in accordance with patient progression.
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• Instructs and educates patients on compensatory techniques and/or how to strengthen the muscles of the face, tongue and jaw to facilitate improved speech and swallow.
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• Documents evaluations, re-evaluations, treatment goals and plans in an accurate and timely manner. Completes required forms and documents in accordance with company policy and state and/or federal regulations.
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• Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing and instructing patients, families, and caregivers in safe diet levels and swallow strategies, when indicated home exercise programs.
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• Participates in discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences.
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• Practices established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
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• Conducts therapy practice within defined standards of care.
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• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
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• Complies with federal, state, and accrediting body requirements.
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Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications

MS in Speech language Pathology from an ASHA accredited program

Ongoing continuing education courses in areas of interest

Licensure: Licensed as a Speech Language Pathologist by the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs

Certification: Basic Life Support (BLS ) American Heart Association

Minimum Work Experience

minimum 1 year clinical experience in an acute or subacute setting with evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Must be willing to work holidays, weekends and provide additional coverage as needed

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to walk, stand and bend for extended periods of time

Must possess good manual dexterity and good visual and hearing acuity

Working Conditions

Occasional exposure to cleaning/disinfecting chemicals.

Possible exposure to communicable diseases.