SPEECH THERAPIST (TR/PRN)

 The Licensed Speech Therapist at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with speech, language, voice, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders. This role involves working with individuals across the lifespan to help them overcome communication challenges and improve their quality of life. The Licensed Speech Therapist collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement personalized therapy plans tailored to each patients needs. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical skills and a passion for helping patients achieve their communication goals

Essential Duties

• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, voice, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders in patients of all ages.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and specific therapy goals.
• Provide direct therapy to patients using evidence-based techniques, exercises, and activities to improve communication and swallowing function.
• Educate patients and their families on therapeutic techniques and strategies for continuing progress at home.
• Monitor patient progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and document therapy outcomes in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Perform screenings and assessments to identify potential speech and language issues in various patient populations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of advances in speech therapy and incorporate best practices into patient care.
• Participate in care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices in speech therapy.
• Meets the following productivity percentage on outpatient and inpatient rehab and Acute: less than or equal to 79.99 (NI), 80-83.99 (meets), greater that 84 (exceeds).
• Participates in Quality Improvement efforts, e.g., Journal Clubs, in-services, Magnet, chart auditing, etc. 
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
• As a salaried professional, you may be expected to work above your FTE.

Non-essential Duties

• Assist with scheduling patients, documenting records, and maintaining therapy supplies as needed.
• Engage in continuing education opportunities to enhance professional development and stay current with emerging trends in speech therapy.
• Actively participates in designated marketing programs (inpatient or outpatient)
• Contributes to community health initiatives and educational program.
• Provide mentorship or support to speech therapy interns or new staff as needed.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience in a clinical setting is preferred but not required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple patient treatment plans.

Required Licensure/Education

• Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure as a Speech Therapist in Illinois.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: N/A.
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Often in contact with saliva and phlegm with patients who have tracheostomy tubes and/or swallowing deficits. 
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Whatever hazards that may exist in patient rooms. Minimal.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed to give directions and to administer tests, articulate and precise in order to provide/administer a good model to patients. 
• Vision: Needed to evaluate articulation movements, administer tests, view handwriting, and view patients use of argumentative systems and gestural or body language.
• Smell: N/A
• Hearing: Needed to adequately evaluate speech/language/voice impairments.
• Touch: Needed to provide tactile cueing and physical prompting.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 30%
• Twist: 2%
• Stand: 25%
• Crawl: 1%
• Walk: 20%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 1%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 2%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 3%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently 
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required 
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Minimal lifting required overall. Must carry testing equipment from office to bedside or other appropriate areas within the Medical Center. Must lift overhead to obtain or replace items in cabinets. May occasionally assist other staff members, such as nurse, technicians, or other therapists with patient transfers, and/or adjusting the patient in bed.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 60
• Twist: 2
• Stand: 45
• Crawl: 1
• Walk: 15
• Kneel: 2
• Lift: 2
• Drive: 60
• Squat: 5
• Climb: 2
• Bend: 10
• Reach above shoulders: 5

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. 
• Normal weight: Often 
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: occasionally 
• Fine Manipulation: writing often and for lengthy periods during the day. May also push wheelchairs.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Required elevating table in order to allow room for wheelchair armrests. Operating vehicle for home evaluations.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

•  Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal
• Range Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average Humidity: Normal Range Atmosphere: Odors, Dust
• Special Hazards: Radiation: Conducting videofluoroscopic swallow evaluations in conjunction with radiology.
• Protective Clothing Required: Thyroid collar, lead apron, neck &ring badges, lead glasses (optional), lead gloves (optional).