Speech Language Pathologist - Acute Care (Per Diem)

Speech Language Pathologist - Acute Care (Per Diem)

Work where every moment matters. Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut's most comprehensive healthcare network. St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport has more than 3,200 employees. It includes a 473-bed community teaching hospital, a 76-bed inpatient psychiatric facility in Westport, a large multispecialty provider group, and special needs services for adults and children. St. Vincent's is the first hospital in Fairfield County to be integrated into the Hartford HealthCare network, and is the system's second-largest hospital.

Position Description: We are seeking a per diem Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) to join our acute care team at St. Vincent's Medical Center. The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) independently evaluates patient's level of function and determines, develops, and implements individualized treatment goals and plans in alignment with the patient/caregiver goals. The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) determines treatment strategies and delivers Speech Language Therapy services that identify, restore, and rehabilitate disorders of communication, cognition and swallowing to maximize a patient's safety and independence. This role encompasses evaluation skills and techniques, analysis of patients, and application of speech therapy to maximize the patient's functional independence.

Responsibilities:

• Upon Physician referral, performs thorough evaluation of patient's oral-motor strength/agility, motor speech, voice, deglutition, auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, verbal expression, written expression, memory, problem solving and attention. Evaluates the existence, nature, and severity of speech, language and/or hearing disorders.
• Establish measurable goals with the patient/family based on appropriate patient care protocols and critical paths in order to meet patient needs.
• Implement, deliver and delegate patient care by utilizing appropriate interventions and age-specific interventions and treatments through selected activities and exercises.
• Provides patient and caregiver education regarding treatment, precautions, and equipment use.
• Participates in patient transition planning and/or patient discharge planning including recommendations to community resources to meet patient needs throughout the continuum of care. Help to coordinate patient care with other care providers such as Rehab Therapists, Nurses, Social Workers, and other community resources as related to care transition planning.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree, Clinical Doctorate or PhD in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited Speech Pathology program.
• Previous experience as a Speech Language Pathologist preferred, however, open to new graduates who are well qualified.
• Current State of Connecticut license in Speech Language Pathology or meets minimum requirements for a Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) plan required.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) with passing score on the national SLP Praxis® exam or Approved Clinical Fellowship plan from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements:

• Must be flexible, a team player and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Works efficiently and organizes time appropriately. Ability to prioritize daily work assignments.
• Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions, and effectively communicate information.
• Basic computer skills (including opening/reading email, basic internet use). Proficient skills in windows-based software (including word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation programs).
• Working knowledge of State Practice Act and Federal Medicaid and Medicare regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates competence, including knowledge and behaviors, to meet age-specific patients' needs.
• Maintains infection control policies related to patient care.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement.
• Able to adapt to a changing environment.

We take great care of careers. With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.