POSITION SUMMARY:

Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship: Under direct and indirect supervision, delivers speech-language pathology services through evaluation of patients with disorders of speech, language, cognition, communication, voice, and swallowing; goal determination; and development of treatment plans according to the principles and practices of speech/language pathology in order to fulfill the requirements for a Clinical Fellowship Year of American Speech-language Hearing Association (ASHA). This role includes the responsibility to evaluate and treat of patients with a variety of cognitive/communicative and swallowing disorders, work cooperatively with the interdisciplinary team and department to achieve goals and objectives for the provision of optimal patient care services. This must be performed under supervision from a licensed Speech Pathologist.

***Applicants must graduate before June 1st, 2024***

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter with specific goals, resume, and at least one letter of recommendation (one from a clinical supervisor)
• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology is required. (Will consider individuals that will obtain degree within next six months)
• Evidence of at least one adult acute care placement that was a minimum of 6 weeks and included exposure to: ICU experience, tracheostomies, speaking values, bedside swallow evaluations, Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) evaluations, Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), and cognitive-linguistic evaluations. Applicants without exposure to all of the above will not be considered.

The position conducts comprehensive assessments of in and outpatients with disorders of swallowing, communication, voice and cognition. Plans and implements individual/group speech-language pathology treatments to achieve the highest possible level of function.. Collaborates with other disciplines to coordinate care and to arrange for appropriate follow-up care. Participates in post-graduate continuing education opportunities. Is encouraged to assist in interdisciplinary research.

This position reports to the Director, Speech Language Pathology and to the SLP serving as the CF supervisor of this person. It is time limited; it will last for one year for a full time position or longer for a part time person (to be equivalent to one full time person). It is designed for a post MA person who has not yet obtained the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA. Typically this is one of his/her first jobs as an SLP post-graduation. ASHA guidelines regarding this position state that the person will work independently but will have direct supervision 30%of the time and will have an assigned mentor throughout the CF year. When the position has worked a total of 1260 hour. he/she will have satisfied the time requirement for a CFY. If this occurs prior to the end of one calendar year, the person will no longer need 30% direct supervision for the duration of his tenure. The mentor will guide, advise, and teach the CF position in all aspects of the job so that on completion of the CF, this position will be able to take on more complex cases independently and more competently.

Position: Speech Language Pathologist (Clinical Fellowship Year as Per Diem Position)

Department: Center for Voice/Swallowing

Schedule: Part Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

1.Conducts speech-language pathology evaluation procedures according to professional and departmental guidelines.

• Responds to all consults in assigned area within 24 hours; completes evaluation and documentation within 72 hours of consult.
• Reviews patient records, gathers necessary information, and obtains a physician's order prior to assessing the patient.
• Selects evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient's diagnosis, abilities, and limitations.
• Administers evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of speech-language pathology; adapts evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients.
• Interprets evaluation results, develops an integrated diagnostic impression, and makes recommendations.
• Performs re-evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient's status or response to treatment.
• Educates patient and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations.

2. Establishes treatment goals and plans that reflect the needs of the patients while meeting departmental, institutional, and third party reimbursement requirements.

• Formulates treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient's unique psychological and functional deficits.
• Establishes measurable and attainable short and long-term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver.
• Modifies goals as warranted by changes in patient's status.
• Assesses discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including but not limited to: insurance issues, equipment needs, follow-up appointments, and appropriate use of community services.
• Communicates patient care and discharge needs to team members as needed. Arranges for appropriate follow-up.

3. Designs and implements comprehensive, efficacious individual and group treatment. Consistently demonstrates clinical competence.

• Establishes treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients.
• Uses creative treatment approaches and explores alternative solutions to individual patient problems.
• Demonstrates clinical problem solving skills with a variety of patient problems.
• Continues patient treatment programs as appropriate and terminates them as warranted by patient's progress and condition.
• Recommends and/or issues appropriate adaptive equipment or augmentative communication devices according to accepted speech-language pathology standards.
• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.
• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.
• Demonstrates ability to engage patients in treatment, provides reinforcement and support; sets limits appropriately.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups regularly served.
• Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions. Demonstrates good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations, seeking assistance as necessary.

4. Monitors clinical supplies, requesting replacements in a timely manner.

• Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and standards.
• Completes area specific and medical center specific documentation in an accurate thorough and timely manner
• Completes patient care charges and billing accurately. Charges/bills for all equipment and supplies issued as appropriate.
• Meets area specific productivity standards at least 95% of the time. Identifies problems and makes adjustments to meet targeted productivity.
• Completes mandatory requirements (including PPD, competencies, and safety/infection control tests, CPR, and license renewal) within given time frame.

5. Shows evidence of on-going professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards.

• Initiates independent learning opportunities, seeks out and integrates new information in daily practice. Communicates learning needs to supervisor.
• Stays current with advances in speech-language pathology treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature.
• Shows knowledge of professional federal and state rules and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology.

6. Participates in the development and evaluation of speech-language pathology programs.

• Collects data required to complete research projects, clinical outcome studies, and departmental quality improvement projects in compliance with JCAHO standards.
• Contributes to the assessment, planning, and implementation of speech-language pathology programs in collaboration with supervisor and peers.

7.Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high quality patient care.

• Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals
• Works as part of the clinical team, helping and supporting staff members as needed; listens to and seeks feedback from others; shares knowledge with others in positive manner; expresses opinions clearly.
• Accommodates to change by being adaptable and flexible and maintains professional demeanor during periods of stress.
• Attends and participates in all mandatory department meetings. Arrives prepared and on time.
• Accepts and completes additional assignments as requested by supervisor, including membership in department and hospital task forces and committees.
• Provides at least one evidence-based area in-service annually. Provides in-services to other hospital personnel as requested.
• Prepares for a verbal presentation using peer-reviewed journals and presents this information in a clear, organized, and concise manner.
• Participates responsibly in the supervisory process, follows through on suggestions and recommendations, and utilizes administrative time for own professional growth.
• Develops and meets annual departmental goals with a high quality of performance.

8. Orients medical professional staff and the community to speech-language pathology

• Orients medical professional staff and students and the community (e.g. volunteers, high school initiatives).
• Utilizes hospital's cultural beliefs as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.

Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as needed.

Adheres to all of BMC's RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Work requires a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited institution.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Requires a current license and certification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ASHA to work as a clinical fellow. Work requires a current CPR certification. This is a 12-month position including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous student internship from a Speech Pathology department (3 months in a medical environment)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires analytical abilities sufficient to evaluate patients' condition, capabilities and progress to develop appropriate treatment programs.
• Effective interpersonal skills to be socially perceptive in accepting and relaying confidential information, communicating policies and procedures, and interacting with patients, families and various members of the health care team.
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.
• Basic computer proficiency, including MS Office.
• Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations.
• Must be able to maintain strict protocols of all confidential or sensitive information.

Will consider individuals that will obtain Masters degree within next six months.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans