Lead Speech Therapist

Job summary

Evaluates and treats patients with communication, speech and swallowing disorders to improve communication skills through vocal exercises and cognitive therapies in accordance with FHS policies/guidelines, regulatory requirements and the standards of the profession.  Work includes indirect patient care activities such as; documentation, scheduling, family training, attendance at rounds, interaction with the Interdisciplinary Team, participation in staff meetings, ordering supplies, and contributing to continuous quality control and performance improvement.

Incumbents are also accountable for responding effectively to legal, patient rights, safety, maintenance, and emergency situations; participating in continuing education, staff development, self-directed learning and overseeing the performance of and providing performance feedback of staff, aides, students, volunteers as requested.

Essential Function

• Performs patient assessment/data collection and formulates treatment plans for individuals with disorders of cognition, communication and swallow; reviews goals and treatment plan with patient and/or caregiver.
• Reviews medical record/documentation prior to initial evaluation to familiarize self with patient’s history and obtains necessary information to perform a thorough, quality assessment.
• Develops Speech Language Pathology plan of care to meet established goals and individualized needs of patient/client.
• Selects and administers assessment tools according to standards as established by profession and department.
• Completes functional swallow/communication assessment related to patient’s individual needs within the designated service area.
• Demonstrates clinical skills for differentially diagnosing communication and cognitive skills.
• Demonstrates clinical skills for differentially evaluating and diagnosing swallowing and obtains baseline swallow status, assesses risks for aspiration, determines diet level
• Performs video swallow studies and FEES to evaluate, diagnose and treat swallowing issues.
• Communicates status, needs and treatment plan with the patient and designated caregiver(s)/staff in an effective manner.
• Implements and updates a treatment plan that includes: consultation with other disciplines; communication of recommendations to referral sources; and participation in team decision-making.
• Implements treatment and conducts treatment program which may include but is not limited to: cognitive/communication training swallowing treatment, home evaluation, family training, equipment recommendations and ordering.
• Regularly assesses clinical signs and symptoms to determine effectiveness of treatment, progress of patient towards goals, the need for modifying goals and treatment.
• Performs treatment according to according to established protocols or accepted clinical standards of practice using a variety of modalities and implements new and innovative treatment approaches.
• Adheres to most recent treatment plan and documented frequency per evaluation/certification or reassessment/recertification.
• Initiates discharge from speech language pathology when the patient has received maximum benefit from services.
• Identifies and implements strategies to meet the educational needs of the patient/family/significant others as it relates to speech language pathology.
• Participates in supervision and performance feedback of staff, aides, students, volunteers as requested.
• Completes all required documentation, in an accurate and thorough manner, of speech language pathology treatment in accordance with FHS documentation standard.
• Utilizes documentation that meets the accepted clinical, hospital and departmental standards and chart review criteria.
• Completes documentation responsibilities in a timely manner according to hospital and departmental criteria.
• Participates in chart review process and adjusts practices according to feedback as provided.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.

Education and Experience

• Masters in Speech-Language Pathology required
• Three months of recent experience (three-month internship may apply) in the field of Speech-Language Pathology in a hospital or rehabilitation setting with an emphasis in adult neurological services that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.

Licensure and Certifications

• Speech Language Pathologist: WA (SLP:WA)
• Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
• Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR)

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.