Speech Language Pathologist II

At Houston Methodist, the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) II position is responsible for evaluating and developing the therapy plan of care for a broad range of diagnoses and acuities. This position may specialize in care for certain complex patient types through advanced training and education. As an experienced SLP, the role provides education to patients, their family members, and/or caregivers, and collaborates with other interprofessional team members to resolve problems and achieve identified patient‑specific goals. The SLP II delivers direct patient care with adherence to safety standards and guidelines, ensuring optimum patient safety, customer service, and outcomes. The role also serves as a preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff, including other therapists and technicians, and may act as a clinical resource to students and clinical fellows. The SLP II assists with the collection of quality metrics and analytics, and with the development of best practices and process improvement initiatives as designated. People Essential Functions Contributes to teamwork, consistently offering assistance and responding positively to requests. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment, offers guidance to the interprofessional health‑care team when appropriate, and applies feedback to improve patient outcomes. Uses therapeutic communication—active listening and teaching—to establish a relationship with patients, families, and the interprofessional team, collaborating on the plan of care. Partners with team members by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information in a comprehensive manner. Teaches and provides guidance to nursing and support staff. Orients new team members and assists with precepting students in clinical rotations and clinical fellows. Uses peer‑to‑peer accountability to improve the department score for employee engagement. Service Essential Functions Performs complete and comprehensive evaluations of patients across a broad range of diagnoses and acuities to determine level of function and treatment plans. Develops the plan of care based on evaluation findings and implements the speech‑language therapy plan. Provides service to complex patient populations. Provides education to patients, family members, and/or caregivers based on learning needs. Consistently evaluates patient comprehension and adapts teaching methods. Serves as a resource to clinical fellows and nursing in teaching best practices. Collaborates and communicates with the health‑care team to modify patient treatment plans, progress, and discharge planning to achieve specific goals. Advocates on the patient/family’s behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns, utilizing appropriate resources. Balances and adjusts the caseload for assigned team members to result in optimum patient care and outcomes. Initiates improvements for department score on patient satisfaction through peer‑to‑peer accountability to service standards. Quality/Safety Essential Functions Assesses patients regularly, monitors progress toward treatment goals, modifies goals, and plans as indicated. Recognizes complications or limitations and proactively addresses them for optimum outcomes. Provides oversight of speech‑related activities completed by the interprofessional team and, if necessary, adjusts the plan to improve quality of outcome and maintain patient safety. Proactively identifies opportunities for corrective action and assists in process improvement by providing recommendations. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety. Identifies areas for practice improvements with research‑based evidence and assists in developing treatment protocols and best practice for certain populations to achieve safety outcomes, supported by accurate documentation. Finance Essential Functions Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient education and procedures performed in a timely manner in the patient record. Enters accurate charges for services provided as applicable. Uses resources efficiently to maximize utilization of time and equipment. Self‑motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed. Meets labor productivity standards by managing established patient load assignments. Growth/Innovation Essential Functions Initiates innovative solutions through evidence‑based practice/performance improvement projects. Actively participates in and may lead department projects and/or hospital committees. Participates in HM‑related and approved hospital/community teaching opportunities, community services, and functions. Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency, and improvement in patient care or unit operations using evidence‑based practice literature. Assists higher‑level SLPs with program development and/or clinical competencies. Seeks opportunities to identify self‑development needs and expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Speech Language Pathologist, taking appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Education Graduate of a credentialing body‑approved education program for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations section. Work Experience Three years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist. Licenses and Certifications – Required SLP – Speech Language Pathologist – State Licensure; Compact license acceptable according to the Board requirements within 90 days AND ASHA‑CCC‑SLP – AHSA‑Certified Clinical Competence in Speech‑Language Pathology (ASHA) AND BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing assessments and performance evaluations. Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary to perform essential functions, especially with regard to safety. Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers with a customer‑service focus and positive language principles. Strong assessment, organizational, and problem‑solving skills evidenced by capacity to prioritize multiple tasks. Demonstrates increasing expertise and executes experienced clinical skills for a particular patient population. Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team, ensuring delivery of excellent customer service. Functions independently, handling challenging therapy procedures and patient care situations. Demonstrates sound judgment in interactions with physicians, the interprofessional team, patients, and families. Proficient with computer systems and standard rehabilitation equipment. Demonstrates professional and technical competence in selecting, evaluating, and utilizing treatment plans for increasingly complex patient populations. Supplemental Requirements Work Attire Uniform: No Scrubs: Yes Business professional: No Other (department approved): Yes On‑Call *Note that employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events, etc.) regardless of selection below. On Call: No Travel May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr