Speech Lang Pathologist II

ECU Health

About ECU Health Medical Center

ECU Health Medical Center, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the 974-bed flagship hospital for ECU Health and serves as the primary teaching hospital for The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. ECU Health Medical Center has achieved Magnet® designation twice and provides acute and intermediate care, rehabilitation and outpatient health services to a 29-county region that is home to more than 1.4 million people.

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

Beginning to apply 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

Responsibilities

Evaluates patients with a wide variety of communication disorders:

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

SLP II 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 II 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 II 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 II 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 II.

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

SLP II 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 II 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 II 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 II 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 II 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 II will consult SLP III , SLP IV, or clinical supervisor.
SLP II is responsible for delivering quality care and is accountable 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.
Assists less experienced staff and/or students: SLP II may be called upon to assist SLP I 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 II may provide basic orientation to Speech-Language Pathology Services to new Rehabilitation employees and/or students.
SLP II 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.
Provides education regarding Speech-Language Pathology practice to patients, families, staff and the public: SLP II 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 II 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 II conducts ongoing patient, family and staff lectures regarding communication disorders associated with stroke, head injury, etc.

SLP II 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.

Three or more years and less than 5 years of licensure.

Current Speech Language Pathology License issued by NCBOESLPA is required.

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.%{{advertiserId}}% %%{{category}}%%

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