About the Role:

As a Speech Therapist within Therapy Services, you will play a critical role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals with speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. Your work will directly impact the quality of life for patients across diverse age groups by helping them improve their communication abilities and overcome challenges related to speech and language. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop personalized therapy plans that address each patient's unique needs and goals. This role requires a compassionate approach, strong clinical expertise, and the ability to adapt therapeutic techniques to various patient conditions. Ultimately, your efforts will contribute to enhancing patient independence, social interaction, and overall well-being.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Alabama License in Speech Pathology by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology and Certification of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association.
• Registration as a clinical fellow with ASHA and ABESPA is acceptable for the first 9-12 months of employment.
• Video fluoroscopic and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation Practice Privilege Requirements should be fulfilled according to standards within the first year of employment. 
• BLS required or must obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Demonstrated experience in evaluating and treating a wide range of speech and language disorders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare team members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting.
• Specialized training or certification in areas such as pediatric speech therapy, neurogenic communication disorders, or dysphagia management.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and documentation standards.
• Bilingual abilities or experience working with diverse patient populations.
• Participation in research or quality improvement initiatives related to speech therapy.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and evidence-based practices.
• Provide direct therapy services to patients using a variety of techniques and modalities tailored to their specific needs.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
• Document patient progress, maintain accurate records, and adjust treatment plans as necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on strategies to support communication and swallowing improvements outside of therapy sessions.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and stay current with advances in speech therapy research and methodologies.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Speech Therapist to accurately assess and diagnose communication disorders, ensuring that treatment plans are both effective and personalized. Strong clinical knowledge and therapeutic techniques are applied daily to help patients improve their speech and swallowing functions. Communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building rapport with patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care. Preferred skills such as familiarity with EHR systems streamline documentation and enhance coordination of care. Additionally, specialized certifications and cultural competence allow the therapist to address complex cases and serve diverse populations with sensitivity and expertise.