Speech Language Pathologist - Pediatrics

The Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist provides comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluations and treatments to pediatric patients, aiming to improve their functional communication and swallowing abilities. This role involves assessment, development and implementation of individualized therapy plans, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, patient and family education, and documentation in compliance with professional and regulatory standards. The position requires adaptability to various clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, home visits, and remote locations, often involving travel in challenging conditions. Responsibilities:

• Perform speech-language pathology assessments and evaluations for pediatric patients.
• Develop, implement, supervise, and modify individualized therapy treatment plans.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, and other care team members to coordinate patient care.
• Attend care conferences, rounds, and meetings to discuss patient status and therapy goals.
• Document patient encounters, diagnoses, treatment plans, progress, and recommendations according to hospital and regulatory policies.
• Provide patient and family education including home exercise programs tailored to individual needs and cultural sensitivities.
• Conduct therapy services in various settings including clinics, community centers, homes, and remote locations.
• Assist with acquisition and fitting of durable medical equipment as needed.
• Maintain clinical supplies and cleanliness of therapy areas.
• Participate in program development, quality improvement, and professional education activities.
• Provide consultation, presentations, and in-service training to staff and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, safety, and quality assurance standards.

• Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association within the first year of employment.
• Licensure by the State of Alaska in Speech Language Pathology.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Valid Alaska Driver's License.
• Clinical Competency assessment within 3 months of hire and every three years thereafter.
• High Risk Competency assessment within 3 months of hire and annually thereafter.
• Experience in acute care hospital settings preferred, including dysphagia, neurology, and pediatric populations.
• Proficiency in administering standardized assessments and treatment planning for a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to use information technology and multiple software applications effectively.

• Experience with Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), and bedside clinical swallowing exams.
• Experience in community health service programs and remote healthcare delivery.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, and third-party billing mechanisms related to speech-language pathology services.
• Experience in patient and family education sensitive to cross-cultural issues.

• Work involves exposure to infectious organisms; adherence to precautions and use of protective equipment is mandatory.
• Physical demands include repetitive or heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds) and working in physically demanding positions.
• Services may be delivered in small or confined spaces, at a demanding pace, and with a diverse range of patients and personalities.
• Occasional multi-day travel to remote locations by boat or plane, often in harsh weather conditions, is required.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, tact, and interpersonal skills to maintain positive working relationships.

• Work schedule includes providing services in inpatient, outpatient, home, and community settings as assigned.
• Shift patterns may vary depending on patient needs and location assignments.
• Flexibility for occasional travel and variable work hours is required.