Speech Therapist, PRN

MERIT HEALTH WESLEY; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MERIT HEALTH WESLEY in Hattiesburg, MS is seeking a dedicated Speech Therapist to evaluate, diagnose and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in both children and adults. You will develop individualized treatment plans and collaborate with physicians, families and the multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes evidence-based therapy, precise documentation, and adherence to HIPAA and professional standards in a busy hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in Speech-Language Pathology.
• 1-3 years of clinical experience in hospital, clinic, or rehabilitation settings.
• Experience with Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in patients.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans.
• Documents patient progress and maintains accurate medical records.
• Collaborates with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care.
• Performs MBS evaluations in collaboration with Radiology and communicates results.

Skills

Evaluation techniques

Documentation skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

HIPAA awareness

Education

Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Job description

Job Summary

The Speech Therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication, social communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. This role develops and implements individualized treatment plans to restore communicative efficiency and improve patient outcomes. The Speech Therapist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure comprehensive patient care.

The Speech Therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication, social communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. This role develops and implements individualized treatment plans to restore communicative efficiency and improve patient outcomes. The Speech Therapist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Essential Functions

• Evaluates and assesses speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders, considering educational, medical, social, and psychological factors.
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans, incorporating appropriate therapeutic interventions to optimize patient outcomes.
• Provides treatment for patients with communication impairments of both organic and nonorganic etiology.
• Performs Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) evaluations in collaboration with the Radiology department and effectively communicates results.
• Documents treatment interventions, patient progress, outcomes, and response to therapy in the medical record daily.
• Ensures proper coding and accurate maintenance of charge logs for billing and compliance purposes.
• Uses evidence-based techniques and positive reinforcement to encourage patient participation in therapy sessions.
• Consults with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate referrals for additional services when needed.
• Provides education and training to patients, families, and caregivers through verbal, written, and demonstrative instruction to support continuity of care.
• Collaborates with other speech therapy professionals and interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care and maximize therapeutic outcomes.
• Engages in discharge planning, providing necessary follow-up recommendations and physician feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program required
• 1-3 years as a Speech Therapist in a clinical, hospital, or rehabilitation setting required
• Experience with Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and dysphagia management preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of speech-language pathology principles, evaluation techniques, and treatment methodologies.
• Proficiency in performing Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies and interpreting results.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping skills to ensure accuracy in patient records and billing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively educate patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, HIPAA compliance, and ethical standards in speech therapy practice.

Licenses and Certifications

• Health Services\SLP - Speech Language Practitioner license in state of employment required or
• ST - Speech Therapist license in state of employment required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required