Speech Lang Pathologist III

ECU Health

About The Outer Banks Hospital

The Outer Banks Hospital is a full-service critical access hospital offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services. The 21-bed facility is designed to meet the needs of the coastal community, whose year-round population of approximately 35,000 swells to about 350,000 in the summer season. Its campus includes four ORs, a medical/surgical unit, a labor & delivery suite with a dedicated caesarian section OR, a full rehabilitation therapy center, cancer treatment and radiation therapy center, and a 24-hour emergency department.

OBH is fully accredited, provides high quality care in a compassionate environment to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, and has been nationally recognized for outstanding patient care.

Position Summary

Evaluates patients with a wide variety of communication disorders

Develops & implements treatment plan for patients with various communication disorders

Assesses treatment progress and revises treatment program

Applies specialty skills to evaluate and treat patients with more complex disorders

Participates in Speech-Language Pathology Q.A. activities

Participates in special projects for the department and Regional Rehabilitation Center

Provides education regarding Speech-Language Pathology practice to patients, families, staff and the public

Assists less experienced staff and/or students.

Responsibilities

SLP III evaluates neurogenic patients with aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, cognitive-communicative disorders, dysphagia and any combination of these referrals.

SLP III also evaluates patients with dysphonia (including laryngectomees), stuttering, articulation disorders and language disorders. These patients would be seen as Rehab
inpatients, outpatients and acute care hospital patients.

SLP III uses independent professional judgement to determine which standardized test batteries and non-standardized measures will best meet the needs of the patients and yield the best diagnosis of the communication problem. He/she determines the nature, the severity of the disorder, the prognosis for improvement and decides whether speech-language treatment is indicated.

SLP III then dictates a comprehensive evaluation report and informs the physician and other healthcare professionals of the evaluation results and recommendations.

He/she counsels the patients and families regarding the communication disorder and provides the family with strategies they can use to facilitate better communication.
Develops and implements treatment plan for patients with a wide variety of communication disorders:

SLP III uses independent professional judgement to develop
an individualized treatment plan for each patient in need of speech-language treatment.

The treatment plan is based on the medical diagnosis, communication disorder, diagnosis assessment of realistic short-term and long-term goals, family/patient goals and team goals. The treatment plan is placed on the medical chart. The plan is further communicated to the physician and other healthcare providers in Patient Care Conferences by oral reporting of the SLP III.

SLP III uses clinical skill and creativity to provide individualized speech-language, cognitive and/or swallowing treatment. Knowledge of treatment methodologies and flexibility in shaping techniques to best meet patients needs is essential.

SLP III documents results of each treatment session using objective data (% accuracy toward goal completion) and subjective data on progress notes in the medical chart.

SLP III keeps the patient and family informed of progress and keeps the physician and other team members informed of patient progress by regularly attending weekly Patient Care Conferences and summarizing this information orally & in writing.
Assesses treatment progress and revises treatment plan.

SLP III actively assesses patient progress and make decisions regarding modification of treatment plan.

In neuro-logically impaired patients, a decrease in the quality and/or quantity of speech-language skills is often an early indicator of neurological problems. Thus, the SLP III plays an important role in monitoring these changes of providing this information to the physician and other members of the healthcare team.
Beginning to apply specialty skills to evaluate and treat patients with more complex disorders:

SLP III is beginning to specialize in at least 1 of the following areas of clinical practice: Aphasia; motor speech disorders; closed head injury; right CVA cognitive-communicative disorders; adult dysphagia (including videofluoroscopy); pediatric dysphagia (including videofluoroscopy, augmentative communicative aids (Including devices for trach and ventilator patients); voice (including laryngectomy); pediatric speech-language disorders; cleft palate (including pressure flow equipment, videofluoroscopy, etc.)

Advanced knowledge and skill is needed to competently provide services within these specialty areas.

SLP III must use professional judgement to determine which skill/technique best serves the patient and which course of action is best for the patients rehabilitation.

When in doubt, SLP III will consult SLP III , SLP IV, or clinical supervisor.
SLP III is responsible for delivering quality care and isaccountable for documentation of care. He/she is involved with assessing SLP quality of care and identifies areas that need to be evaluated or reviewed.

SLP II may serve on the Department Q.A. Committee and may assist in the development of appropriate SLP Q.A. indicators.
Participates in special projects for the Department and Rehabilitation Center.

SLP III participates in administratively approved special projects or research. He/she may engage in collaborative research studies with other Rehabilitation staff. Other special projects may include active membership and/or chairing a Rehab committee or task force.
Assists less experienced staff and/or students: SLP III may be called upon to assist SLP I, SLP II and students regarding basic evaluation and treatment techniques for patients with communication disorders and their application to our setting (VMC, RRC, etc.).

He/she may also assist new staff or student interns to gain needed knowledge and skills.

SLP III may provide basic orientation to Speech-Language Pathology Services to new Rehabilitation employees and/or students.
Provides education regarding Speech-Language Pathology practice to patients, families, staff and the public: SLP III is involved in presenting information regarding communication disorders, swallowing disorders and Speech-Language Pathology practice in general to groups within ECU Health Medical Center and groups outside of ECU Health Medical Center. SLP III is actively involved in counseling patients and families regarding speech, language and/or swallowing problems and providing information regarding strategies to use to compensate for these disorders.

SLP III conducts ongoing patient, family and staff lectures regarding communication disorders associated with stroke, head injury, etc.

SLP III speaks to community groups regarding development of speech-language skills in children, prevention of speech-language disorders and other topics.

Minimum Requirements

Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology OR Master's degree in Communication Science and Disorders is required or higher.

Five years and less than ten years of licensure.

Current Speech Language Pathology License issued by NCBOESLPA is required.

American Speech and Hearing Association Certification

General Statement

It is the goal of ECU Health and its entities to employ the most qualified individual who best matches the requirements for the vacant position.

Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, which may include an occupational health screening, criminal record check, education, reference, and licensure verification.

We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicant's qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact:

Tavis Richardson, Talent Acquisition Consultant

ECU Health Talent Acquisition

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