Under the direction of the Chief Clinical Officer, the Speech-Language Pathologist at Phoenix Specialty Hospital is responsible for planning, developing, and providing comprehensive speech-language pathology services, including the evaluation and treatment of communication, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders, in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes Title 36, Chapter 17, Article 4 (Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists), Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) licensing rules (Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 16, Article 2), Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 10 (Health Care Institutions: Licensing), CMS Conditions of Participation, The Joint Commission standards, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
This position provides direct patient care to adult and geriatric populations, including assessment, treatment planning, and the delivery of individualized therapy interventions for speech, language, cognition, voice, and dysphagia. The Speech-Language Pathologist must demonstrate sound judgment, professional integrity, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Additional responsibilities include contributing to program development, quality improvement initiatives, and the creation and revision of departmental policies and procedures.
Must be able to perform in all patient care and operational areas, with or without reasonable accommodation, and use all mandatory safety devices, procedures, and required Personal Protective Equipment. Must also participate in the Respiratory Protection Program, which may include wearing a respirator.
- Evaluates patients using standardized and non-standardized assessments, including bedside swallow evaluations, and interprets findings to develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with physicians or based on provider orders.
- Provides speech-language pathology services to improve communication, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing function and to promote functional independence and patient safety.
- Performs and participates in instrumental swallow studies, such as Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), as trained and competency-validated.
- Recommends diet textures, liquid consistencies, safe swallowing strategies, and alternative communication methods, and communicates recommendations to physicians, nursing, and dietary staff.
- Monitors and documents patient progress, adjusting treatment plans based on patient response and clinical outcomes.
- Supervises Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, aides, and support staff during patient treatment as appropriate and in accordance with Arizona supervision requirements.
- Participates in interdisciplinary care planning, including patient care conferences and discharge planning.
- Educates patients, families, caregivers, and staff on communication strategies, swallowing precautions, home programs, and ongoing therapy needs.
- Ensures timely and accurate documentation in the patient medical record and departmental systems, in accordance with hospital and regulatory guidelines.
- Meets established departmental productivity standards for the position.
- Contributes to program development, staff development, in-service training, and the creation and revision of departmental policies and procedures.
- Provides clinical supervision to Speech-Language Pathology students and Clinical Fellows as requested.
- Completes all annual mandatory training, competency validation, and certification requirements, and maintains current licensure and certifications without lapse.
- Pursues continuing education appropriate to the discipline and responsibilities, including continuing education required for license renewal in Arizona and ASHA certification maintenance.
- Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), infection prevention, and patient safety activities; works safely, uses supplies and equipment cost-effectively, and promptly reports hazards and on-the-job injuries.
- Adheres to all Phoenix Specialty Hospital policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, safety rules, The Joint Commission standards, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) health care institution licensing rules, CMS Conditions of Participation, HIPAA, and the requirements of any other regulatory agency.
- Works collaboratively with all departments, demonstrates flexibility with changes in census, staffing, and scheduling, and provides service excellence to patients, families, and fellow staff.
- Demonstrates, supports, and models the mission, vision, values, and code of conduct of Phoenix Specialty Hospital.
- Willingly performs other duties as assigned or requested by the Chief Clinical Officer.
Qualifications
Education:
- Master's or doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)
Experience:
- Experience in acute care or inpatient settings preferred
Licenses/Certificates:
- Current and valid Arizona Speech-Language Pathologist license issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA)
Skills:
- Strong clinical, organizational, and communication skills