Speech Language Pathologist (SLP, Rehab) - Inpatient

Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

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For more than 118 years, Backus Hospital has been the primary source of healthcare services for much of Eastern Connecticut. We are home to the only trauma center in New London and Windham counties, and are the only area hospital with LIFE STAR helicopter services. We deliver and coordinate a continuum of high-quality healthcare with the goal of improving the health of our communities.

In addition to our 200+ bed hospital, the Backus Health System includes numerous off-site locations, including several health centers, Backus Home Health Care and the Backus Outpatient Care Center, also in Norwich. Backus Health Centers are located in Montville, Ledyard, Colchester, Norwich, and North Stonington, and additional labs for blood draws are available throughout the region.

We're currently seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated and caring Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) to join our acute care team at Backus Hospital. 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 MDs, Rehab Therapists, Nurses, Social Workers, and other community resources as related to care transition planning.

Benefits

As one of the largest rehabilitation providers in the state, we offer a team-oriented structure, a comprehensive continuing education program, an excellent benefits package along with Special Interest Groups that assist with evidence based clinical knowledge, growth opportunities and support within the organization.

• Flexible scheduling
• Extensive Paid Time Off (PTO) plus holidays
• Medical and dental benefits
• 401K with excellent company match
• Company paid short term and long term disability insurance
• Continuing education and tuition reimbursement
• Clinical specialty and senior clinician opportunities

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements

• 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, text messaging, basic internet use). Proficient skills in windows-based software (including word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation programs). Experience with electronic medical records preferred.
• Working knowledge of State Practice Act and Federal Medicaid and Medicare regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and team player
• 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

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with the entire patient care team.
• Requires the ability to exercise discretion and use good judgment to perform duties promptly and consistently with little direction.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Requires high level of analytical ability in order to gather and interpret information from various sources.
• Able to take appropriate actions in response to changes, circumstances ability concerning the daily activities of the position.