Speech Therapist - Voice Specialized

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Audio/Speech Therapy related duties: Evaluates patients and uses sound therapy to improve physical and mental conditions. Responsibilities also include improving physical and mental conditions through treating a variety of speech disorders and communication difficulties. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. An entry level role that applies broad theoretical job knowledge typically obtained through advanced education. May require the following proficiency: work is closely supervised, problems faced are not typically difficult or complex, and explains facts, policies and practices related to job area.

Job Overview

This clinician is responsible for evaluating and diagnosing problems relating to speech, language, and communication disorders. Responsible for formulating and recommending a plan, which may include therapy for the diagnosed problems, referrals for further consultations, extended speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program in order to achieve a maximum level of functional independence. This position may work in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. This position is also responsible for documenting all age appropriate 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. Current or eligible for Speech Therapist License.

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

5. One (1) year of experience in the assessment and treatment of voice, upper airway and swallowing disorders.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

2. Experience in working with professional voice users and/or patients with Parkinson's disease (either SPEAK OUT! or LSVT LOUD certified)

3. Three (3) years of experience in the assessment and treatment of voice, upper airway and swallowing

Duties & 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.

1.Conducts comprehensive evaluations of patients with voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders, utilizing behavioral observations, detailed case histories, and standardized assessments.

2.Engages in interdisciplinary clinic evaluations in close collaboration with the laryngologist to ensure integrated, patient-centered care

3.Performs endoscopic, acoustic, and aerodynamic voice examinations.

4.Diagnoses and documents voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders following current professional standards.

5.Develops and implements individualized, evidence-based therapy plans for patients with a range of voice disorders, including those related to neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, vocal tremor, laryngeal dystonia), upper airway disorders (e.g., chronic cough, induced laryngeal obstruction), and dysphagia.

6.Provides specialized voice therapy for professional voice users (e.g., singers, teachers).

7.Delivers patient and family education, counseling, and support regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress.

8.Works collaboratively with our laryngologist, other speech-language pathologists, and allied health professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient care.

9.Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and ongoing professional development activities.

10.Participates in outreach programming and vocal health screenings with local music schools

11.Contributes to education of residents, medical students, and SLP graduate students

12.Prepares thorough and timely written reports of evaluations, treatment plans, and patient progress.

13.Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records in accordance with hospital and departmental standards.

14.Stays current with advances in the field of voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders through ongoing education and training.

15.Participates in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the Voice Center's mission of excellence in patient care.

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 injury and functional status of patients, audibly assess patient subjective complaints.

Skills & Abilities:

1.Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

2.Commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered 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.