Per Diem Inpatient Speech Therapist

Melrose/Wakefield Hospital, part of the Tufts Medicine system, has been offering the highest quality and accessible healthcare to the local community for over 130 years. With two hospital campuses, Level III Trauma Center, Level III Special Care Nursery, Breast Health Center, Cardiovascular Center and over 20 locations and 50 specialties, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital offers many opportunities to grow your career.

Job Overview

This clinician is responsible for evaluating and diagnosing problems relating to speech, language, and communication disorders. Responsible for formulating and recommending a plan, which may include therapy for the diagnosed problems, referrals for further consultations, extended speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program in order to achieve a maximum level of functional independence. This position may work in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. This position is also responsible for documenting all age appropriate patient care appropriately in the medical record to comply with the policies and procedures of the department and JCAHO requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

2. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association.

3. Speech Therapist License.

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Evaluates and/or screens patients referred to Speech and Language Pathology with a high degree of professional competency & efficiency while successfully delivering competent care to patients in a continuum of ages from infancy to adulthood.

2. Based on behavioral observations, a complete case history from the patient and/or the family, and the results of standardized tests, is responsible for evaluating the status of the patient/client and making a diagnosis using accepted professional standards and individual experience and judgement.

3. Makes recommendations which may include therapy, referrals for further consultations, extended speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program monitored by the clinician.

4. Prepares complete written reports of evaluations and progress of individual cases.

5. Consults with clients, patients and/or caregiver concerning recommendations and necessary carryover programs. Evaluates progress to ascertain effectiveness of home programs.

6. Selects the appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services, and providing these in a consistent, efficient manner of high-quality patient care.

7. Informs and consults with medical personnel concerning type, extent, and prognosis of speech and/or language disorders with regard to pre and post operative, medicinal or other medically prescribed procedures.

8. Follows through with client needs: communicates with professionals, other disciplines, and businesspersons serving the client, and provides information to various social agencies, which may be involved.

9. Completes documentation, including evaluation reports, progress notes, periodic re-assessments and d/c summaries in a timely manner. Complies with insurance requirements including obtaining MD signatures and insurance approvals.

10. Participates in regularly held staff conferences, to determine and reassess treatment goals and progress; and for attending family conferences to keep the family abreast of progress and problems.

11. Participates in interdisciplinary and family conferences with other professionals serving the patient in order to coordinate services.

12. Educates and in-services staff on clinical skills, acts as a clinical liaison to other staff. Assumes accountability for professional growth and development in order to maintain a high level of clinical competency, accepts role of clinical instructor.

13. Coordinates, oversees and is responsible for the day to day operations of scheduling, hiring, training and other daily operations for the Speech and Language Program.

14. Monitors individual workloads and assisting the appointment secretary in scheduling sufficient clinical activity in order to meet workload requirement.

15. Keeps abreast of current literature in the field and for acquiring the knowledge and skills regarding new tests, instruments, machines, etc. in the field.

16. Maintains a working knowledge of the patient care program and devices available to patients.

17. May be responsible for initiating and/or participating in research projects, as required.

18. May perform related bookkeeping duties.

About Melrose/Wakefield Hospital

Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford are two campuses with one community in mind: the people of north suburban Boston. Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital are distinguished by the range of high-quality clinical care and services. Our teams welcome everyone with hospitality and humanity. We focus on reducing health disparities through 40+ local health programs across a system of hospitals, urgent care locations, outpatient services, and community physicians.

Core to our values, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital's commitment to community is demonstrated by our many local health programs throughout our service area and participation in partnerships with community agencies and events, and education programs in more than 10 communities to support the wellness and health of our residents.