Speech Therapist - Inpatient Rehab (Per Diem)

Speech Language Pathologist

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for the evaluation and treatment of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders within the scope of practice as defined by the State Department of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The speech language pathologist is engaged in the processes of coordination, education, communication and documentation to ensure that the patient/client receives comprehensive, individualized and evidence based services. Settings may include inpatient (acute & rehab) and/or outpatient. The position may rotate to other services as per the program guidelines. The incumbent also performs other professional duties and participates in department/facility/network initiatives based on needs and opportunity.

A day in the life of a Speech Therapist Coordinator at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Prepares for the evaluation of the patient/client in accordance with departmental policies/procedures and standards of practice including obtaining patient history, administering appropriate tests and measurements accurately and efficiently. Exhibits knowledge and understanding of patient/client's diagnoses. Integrates and synthesizes evaluation results, behavioral observations and information obtained from history to develop diagnostic impressions, goals and makes recommendations based on findings.
• Establishes a plan of care with the client/patient/family based on functional, measurable, and realistic long and short term goals.
• Performs all functions associated with the execution of therapeutic treatment for all age groups within the department's responsibility. Treatment reflects age and developmentally appropriate activities determined through analysis of data. Uses a systematic approach to clinical decision making.
• Utilizes reassessment to modify goals, progress treatment, or recommend discontinuation of therapy.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.) including referral of the patient/client to another health care professional or healthcare services.
• Documentation is in accordance with policies and procedures. Collects and records accurate data/information in a manner that reflects an understanding of reimbursement systems and their impact on patient care. Records charges based on services provided.
• Lifts a minimum of 50 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 50 lbs. and stands a minimum of 1 hour a day.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies, standards of behavior, and departmental policies and procedures.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Master's Degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Doctoral Degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution.
• Experience preferred, CF/entry level acceptable.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must possess or be eligible for Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
• Eligible for temporary or possesses permanent license in the State of New Jersey as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification for new hires starting 01/01/2024.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Specialty certifications.

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetic information, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available to an employer the results of a genetic test, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, national origin, nationality, ancestry, disability, marital status, liability for military service, or status as a protected veteran.