In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

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.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and 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. 

Job Knowledge/Abilities:

• Knowledge of and skill in utilizing the principles, practices, standards, techniques and equipment of direct patient care, relating to the speech-language-hearing profession.
• Knowledge of, and skill in utilizing, a variety of speech/language treatment modalities.
• Knowledge of, and skill in utilizing, a variety of speech/language assessment tools and methods and in interpreting results.
• Knowledge of FHS policies/procedures and the regulatory requirements applicable to work unit operations and services.
• Ability to establish effective rapport and therapeutic relationships with patients and families/caregivers from a variety of socio-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to apply strong problem solving, organizing, prioritizing and consulting skills to the duties of the position.
• Ability to convey technical information effectively in verbal and written communications, and in individual as well as group settings.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and group interaction skills.
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.

Licensure/Certification

• Current Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Current active Washington State Speech/Language Pathologist license or a Washington State Interim Permit (valid for a maximum of 6 months unless an extension is approved by the Department Director.
• Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.