Speech Therapist II

Job Profile Summary This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical, or cognitive impairment. It includes evaluating patients and using sound therapy to improve physical and mental conditions, treating a variety of speech disorders and communication difficulties, and overseeing the design, implementation, or delivery of processes, programs, and policies with specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. The position is an experienced professional individual contributor that may direct the work of other lower‑level professionals, manage processes and programs, and influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies, and practices. Job Overview This clinician is responsible for evaluating and diagnosing problems relating to speech, language, swallowing, and communication disorders. They formulate and recommend a plan that may include therapy for diagnosed problems, referrals for further consultations, extensive speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program to achieve maximum functional independence. The role may work in both inpatient and outpatient settings and is responsible for documenting all age‑appropriate patient care in the medical record to comply with departmental policies, procedures, and Joint Commission requirements. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree in Speech‑Language Pathology. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association. Massachusetts state Speech Therapist License. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. One (1) year of experience as a Speech Therapist. Preferred Qualifications Acute care experience. MBS and FEES experience. Duties and Responsibilities Evaluates and/or screens patients referred to Speech and Language Pathology with a high degree of professional competency while successfully delivering competent care to patients in a continuum of ages from infancy to adulthood. Covers both adult outpatient (swallowing, speech, cognition, language) and adult inpatient acute services. Educates and counsels patients, staff, and caregivers on diagnosis, etiology, and rehabilitation trajectory. Prepares complete written reports of evaluations and progress for individual cases. Selects the appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services, and provides these in a consistent, efficient manner of high‑quality patient care. Determines clinical indication and timeline trajectory for instrumental swallowing evaluations. Completes documentation, including evaluation reports, progress notes, periodic re‑assessments and discharge summaries in a timely manner; complies with insurance requirements including obtaining MD signatures and insurance approvals. Develops goals related to hydration/nutrition plan as well as safe provision of medication for acute care settings. Educates and in‑services staff on clinical skills, acts as a clinical liaison to other staff, and assumes accountability for professional growth and development to maintain a high level of clinical competency. Is independent with appropriate application, performance, and interpretation of FEES and MBS. Collaborates with Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Residents, and Pulmonary staff on care plan progression for patients with tracheostomy. Keeps abreast of current literature in the field and acquires knowledge regarding new tests, instruments, and machines. May be responsible for initiating and/or participating in research projects, as required. Assists with holiday and weekend coverage PRN via on‑call schedule. Physical Requirements Frequent standing, walking, and transferring patients. Requires manual dexterity for fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard, provide quantitative testing, and perform manual treatment techniques. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports. Visually assesses injury and functional status of patients; audibly assesses patient subjective complaints. Skills & Abilities Broad foundation of knowledge and skills in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a wide variety of speech, language, cognitive, and communicative disorders. Demonstrates interpersonal skills including communication, teamwork, and willingness to work one‑on‑one or a group basis. Ability to work independently, be self‑motivated, well organized, and function well in very busy situations. Responsible and reliable. Demonstrates flexibility and ability to adjust to changes at a moment’s notice. Maturity to operate effectively within a multidisciplinary setting. Can work effectively with a wide variety of patients with acute and long‑term disability. Ability to read, write, and communicate in English. Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients of all ages for appropriate care. Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect and adjust plan of care as appropriate. Demonstrates proper time‑management skills to attain department productivity while ensuring quality patient care. Pay Range $83,200.00 - $98,614.15 #J-18808-Ljbffr Tufts Medicine