Job Profile Summary

​ This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who are acutely ill in a large academic medical center. Focus of care is on dysphagia and swallowing disorders. Responsibilities include: assessment, treatment, patient/family/caregiver/staff education, clinical indication for further dysphagia diagnostic work up, clear/concise communication with the multidisciplinary team, and accurate thorough documentation in a timely manner. Staff work independently with general supervision with a complex population in a Stroke Accredited/Trauma Level I hospital and comply with all hospital and departmental policies and procedures as well as evidence-based practice.

Job Overview

This clinician is responsible for the following: evaluating and diagnosing problems relating to speech, language, swallowing and communication disorders; formulating and recommending a plan, which may include therapy for the diagnosed problems, referrals for further consultations, extensive swallowing, speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program in order to achieve a maximum level of functional independence/safety; and documenting all patient care appropriately in the medical record to comply with the policies and procedures of the department and JCAHO requirements.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology

2. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association

3. MA State Speech-Language Pathology License

4. BLS certification

5. Acute care experience

Preferred Qualifications:

1. MBS and FEES experience

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Per diem (2 weekends/month at minimum, holidays with potential for weekday coverage) Evaluate and treat inpatients in the acute care setting on both the general floors and ICU’s Determine clinical indication and timeline trajectory for instrumental swallowing evaluations Educate/counsel patient, staff, and caregivers on diagnosis, etiology and rehabilitation trajectory Accurately assess/treat and document thoroughly in a timely manner Communicate clearly and concisely with the multidisciplinary team Develop goals related to hydration/nutrition plan as well as safe provision of medication for acute care setting

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequent standing & walking & transferring of patients.

2. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard, dexterity to provide quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques to a wide variety of patients.

3. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.

4. Visually assess impairment and functional status of patients, audibly assess patient subjective reports/complaints.

Skills & Abilities:

1.Broad foundation of knowledge and skills in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a wide variety of swallowing, speech, language, cognitive, and communicative disorders.

2. Demonstrate interpersonal skills including communication, teamwork, and willing to work one-on-one or a group basis.

3. Ability to work independently, to be self-motivated and well organized. Ability to function well in very busy situations.

4. Responsible and reliable.

5. Demonstrates flexibility and able to adjust to changes at a moment’s notice.

6. Maturity to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary setting.

7. Able to work effectively with a wide variety of patients with acute and chronic illnesses.

8. Ability to read/write and communicate in English.

9. Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients of with a variety of dysphagia etiologies per evidence-based practice in order to provide care appropriately.

10. Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect and adjust plan of care as appropriate.

11. Demonstrates proper time management skills to attain department productivity while assuring quality patient care.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org .