Speech Lang Pathologist I

Job Description

ECU Health

About ECU Health Chowan Hospital

ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton is a 25-bed critical access hospital which provides programs and services to 110,000 people in 6 counties. The facility offers medical and surgical services, including intensive care, a specialty care clinic and a dedicated outpatient surgery area with endoscopy capabilities. A 7-bed emergency department serves approximately 15,000 patients per year and team members at the facility have access to a telemedicine link with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

Position Summary

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

Assists less experienced staff and/or students.

Responsibilities

Evaluates patients with a wide variety of communication disorders: SLP IV evaluates neurogenic patients with aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, cognitive-communicative disorders, dysphagia and any combination of these referrals.

SLP IV 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 IV uses independent professional judgement to determine which standardized test batteries and nonstandardized 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 IV 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 IV 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 IV.

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

Assesses treatment progress and revises treatment plan. SLP IV actively assesses patient progress and make decisions regarding modification of treatment plan.

In neurologically 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 IV plays an important role in monitoring these changes of providing this information to the physician and other members of the healthcare team

Excels in applying specialty skills in evaluating and treating patients with more complex disorders: SLP IV specializes in at least 3 of the following areas of clinical practice: Aphasia; motor speech disorders; closed head injury; right CVA cognitive-communication 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 IV 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 IV will consult clinical supervisor.

Participates in SLP Q.A. activities. SLP IV 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 IV may serve on the Department Q.A. Committee and may assist in the development of appropriate SLP Q.A. indicators.

Provides education regarding Speech-Language Pathology practice to patients, families, staff and the public: SLP IV is involved in presenting information regarding communication disorders, swallowing disorders and Speech-Language Pathology practice in general to groups within VMC and groups outside of VMC.

SLP IV 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 IV conducts ongoing patient, family and staff lectures regarding communication disorders associated with stroke, head injury, etc. SLP IV speaks to community groups regarding development of speech-language skills in children, prevention of speech-language disorders and other topics.

Assists less experienced staff and/or students: SLP IV may be called upon to assist SLP I, SLP II, SLP III and students regarding basic evaluation and treatment techniques for patients with communication disorders and their application to our setting (PCMH, RRC, etc.). He/she may also assist new staff or student interns to gain needed knowledge and skills. SLP IV may provide basic orientation to Speech-Language Pathology Services to new Rehabilitation employees and/or students.

Minimum Requirements

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

Current Speech Language Pathology License issued by NCBOESLPA is required.

Ten or more years of licensure.

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

Email: