Speech Pathologist - Acute Care

Overview

The Speech Language Pathologist II is an experienced therapist fully competent with all essential functions of a Speech Language Pathologist I, and possesses advanced skills in evaluating and developing treatment plans for complex patients across a wide variety of ages and diagnoses. The SLP II conducts clinical and instrumental swallow examinations, participates in multi‑disciplinary care team discussions, serves as a clinical advisor for less experienced therapists, supervises interns and assistants, functions as a Clinical Instructor in the Speech Language Pathology student program, and contributes to program development and departmental policy.

Location

Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA (Onsite)

Responsibilities

• Meet and perform all essential functions of a Speech Language Pathologist I with a more complex patient population.
• Evaluate and treat patients with complex speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallow impairments, including instrumental swallow assessments (videofluoroscopy and flexible endoscopy).
• Prepare and present an in‑service at least once annually.
• Develop, implement, and modify therapeutic interventions to alleviate complex communication and swallow impairments, selecting and administering appropriate assessment and treatment techniques.
• Provide input on staff educational needs and serve as a resource for staff development.
• Initiate clinical research within area of expertise with manager support.
• Mentor and serve as a role model for less experienced speech pathologists.
• Lead patient care conferences, communicating with and teaching other care providers.
• Participate in performance‑improvement activities such as chart reviews, documentation revisions, and workflow studies.
• Contribute to the development of departmental policies and procedures.
• Identify equipment needs, recommend repairs or upgrades, and assist with procurement decisions.

Education Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved Speech Language Pathology curriculum with either a Master’s or Doctorate degree.

Experience Qualifications

• Two (2) years of clinical practice as a Speech Language Pathologist, including work experience as a Clinical Fellow.
• Competent with instrumental swallow assessments (VFSS and FEES).
• Certification in MBSImp is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge and adherence to Code of Ethics and performance standards specific to the clinician's professional organization.
• Knowledge of available equipment and vendors used in the assigned area.
• Knowledge of basic business aspects of the position, such as utilization management, charging practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of evaluation and treatment methodologies as applied to routine patient care.
• Knowledge of legal issues affecting the clinical practice.
• Knowledge of pathologies and injuries resulting in physical impairments.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment, and theory of the practice of clinical specialty.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients, families, co‑workers, supervisors, and other health professionals.
• Ability to develop and document clear, measurable, realistic, and functionally based treatment goals with patient/family input.
• Ability to develop, implement, and adapt treatment programs.
• Ability to evaluate patients and interpret clinical data to make clinical judgments in complex situations.
• Ability to provide appropriate care and progress treatment based on professional standards and individual patient needs.
• Ability to utilize sound clinical reasoning to determine appropriate patient interventions, demonstrating safety awareness and problem analysis skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• Ability to clinically supervise, train, and evaluate students and interns.
• Ability to apply advanced clinical skills to treat difficult and complex cases.

Licenses & Certifications

• CA Speech Pathologist license (SP).
• BLS – Basic Life Support certification.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.

Compensation

Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $55.85 – $74.00 per hour. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.