Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

This position is located in Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Central Western Massachusetts VA Healthcare System. The speech-language pathologist duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service. This position will be split between outpatient and inpatient services. Inpatient services would include speech-language therapy for short and long term care residents as well as mental health units as needed. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Uses a wide range of knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of speech-language pathology to a wide range of populations.
• Performs independent assessment and evaluation of cases that are referred for Speech Pathology Services without limitation as to difficulty or complexity.
• Develops plans for a course of therapy to resolve or minimize speech/language/cognitive-related communication conditions that present serious problems to social contacts, educational development or employment opportunities.
• Develops plans for course of therapy to resolve or minimize dysphagia-related conditions to ensure patient can tolerate safest, least restrictive diet.
• Incorporates new clinical procedures enough to perform clinical services independently.
• Conducts assessments, provides treatment interventions, and provides consultation to other health care professionals.
• Exercises independent clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations.
• Consults with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
• Documents in the medical record evaluates, diagnosis and clinical opinion, treatment plans outcomes of treatment, changes in functional status, and patient/family education.
• Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment.
• Assists in the orientation, training and supervision of medical staff, new staff, students, trainees, and fellows, providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals.
• Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs, and evaluation of existing programs.
• May be requested to service on service-level committees or task forces or to represent to service/section on medical center, network, or national committees.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, hours to be determined.

Telework: Ad-Hoc telework available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: F07640, F07641.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.