Research Speech Language Pathologist, Otolaryngology (part time 20 hours/wk.)

Position: Research Speech Language Pathologist, Otolaryngology        

Location: Boston, MA

Schedule: 20 hours per week

ABOUT BMC:

At Boston Medical Center (BMC), our diverse staff works together for one goal — to provide exceptional and equitable care to improve the health of the people of Boston. Our bold vision to transform health care is powered by our respect for our patients and our commitment to ensure everyone who comes through our doors has a positive experience.

You’ll find a supportive work environment at BMC, with rich opportunities throughout your career for training, development, and growth and where you’ll have the tools you need to take charge of your own practice environment.  

POSITION SUMMARY:

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 and to arrange for appropriate follow-up care. Participates in post-graduate continuing education opportunities.  

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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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.
• 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.
• Monitors clinical supplies, requesting replacements in a timely manner.
• 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. 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.
• 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.
• Accommodates to change by being adaptable and flexible and maintains professional demeanor during periods of stress.
• 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.
• 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).

(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:

• Over the year of employment, fulfills the requirements of ASHA for being a Clinical Fellow
• Successfully obtains the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) by the end of the tenure for this position.
• Work requires a current CPR certification.

EXPERIENCE:

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

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Work requires interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with patients, families and various members of the health care team.
• Work requires analytical abilities sufficient to evaluate patients’ condition, capabilities and progress to develop appropriate treatment programs.

JOB BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition remission programs
• Highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Career Advancement/Professional Development: Access a wealth of ongoing training and development opportunities that will not only enhance your skills but also expand your knowledge base especially for individuals pursuing careers in medicine or biomedical research.
• Pioneering Research: Engage in groundbreaking research projects that are driving the forefront of biomedical science.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.

Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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