Speech Language Pathologist - Inpatient - Acute Care

Department: Inpatient Acute Care

Status: PRN

Schedule: Days, weekends

General Summary

Evaluates patients regarding the application of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques for rehabilitation of speech, language, hearing and oral motor disorders according to the principles and practices of speech therapy at an entry to intermediate skills level. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Examines, tests, diagnoses and administers remedial treatments for patients with speech, hearing, and swallowing disorders.
• Performs evaluations with special attention to receptive and expressive language skills, speech fluency, vocal and oral motor competence, articulation and auditory skills and reports on patient's progress for review by other members of the rehabilitative team.
• Provides instructions in therapeutic procedures to be continued by the patient.
• Coordinates speech language pathology activities in collaboration with the other members of the interdisciplinary team to facilitate achievement of goals established.
• Conducts or participates in training medical and nursing personnel in speech language pathology techniques and objectives.
• Utilizes safe patient handling techniques for all patient transfers, lifts and positioning.
• Provides supervision of Rehab Aides as required by PA practice act.

Common Expectations

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Maintains patient record, as required by profession, with accurate documentation to support medical necessity and functional abilities.
• Ensures the process design of established policies/procedures, objectives, quality management, safety, environment and infection control standards are utilized consistently.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Acts as a role model in Red Rules compliance with a focus on hand hygiene and patient identifiers.
• Collaborates with other team members to create a culture of patient centeredness and clinical excellence.
• Utilizes SBAR as a standard method of communication in all aspects of patient care.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• Maintains and cares for equipment and supplies.
• Appropriately documents maintenance and repairs.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Masters Degree Required

Work Experience

• Less than 1 year Related experience. Required

Licenses

• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist Upon Hire Required and
• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Courses and Training

• Graduate of an accredited program in speech-language pathology. Upon Hire Required and
• Successful completion of Certificate of Clinical Competency or Strong Clinical Fellow. Upon Hire Required

WellSpan Health’s vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region’s largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.