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Speech-Language Pathologist
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Based on Nebraska data
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What they do
A Speech Language Pathologist diagnoses and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders in patients with a variety of conditions. Helps patients improve their ability to make sounds or use language, or develop non-spoken means of communication. May specialize in working with patients of a certain age group, or treat speech problems resulting from a condition such as a stroke or cleft palate. Works in schools, hospitals and other healthcare facilities and works closely with physicians, psychologists, social workers, and other therapists.
$82,267 / year median in Nebraska
-2% projected decline
Job Description
- Evaluate patients with speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders.
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings and functional goals.
- Provide evidence-based speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing therapy.
- Perform bedside swallowing evaluations.
- Assess patients for dysphagia and aspiration risk.
- Participate in or perform instrumental swallowing assessments when appropriate and within competency.
- Provide treatment for patients following stroke or traumatic brain injury.
- Evaluate and treat patients with Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.
- Assess communication and swallowing function following prolonged intubation.
- Perform cognitive-communication evaluations.
- Complete cognitive and functional assessments related to a patient's ability to safely return home.
- Develop recommendations for supervision, safety, communication strategies, and discharge planning.
- Educate patients, families, and caregivers regarding treatment strategies and home programs.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, case managers, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals.
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and care-planning discussions.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
- Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as clinically appropriate.
- Support discharge planning and transitions of care.
- Provide outpatient Speech-Language Pathology services when assigned.
Required Qualifications Candidates must have:
- Active Speech-Language Pathologist license in the State of Nebraska
- Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program
- Strong clinical assessment and treatment-planning skills
- Ability to work independently in an inpatient hospital environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team Required / Relevant Clinical Experience Strong candidates should be comfortable working with:
- Stroke patients
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Parkinson's disease
- Neurological disorders
- Trauma patients
- Post-intubation patients
- Cognitive-communication disorders
- Dysphagia
- Swallowing disorders
- Functional cognitive assessments
- Home-safety evaluations
- Medically complex adult patients Key Clinical Skills Successful candidates should be comfortable with:
- Speech and language evaluation
- Cognitive-communication assessment
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Dysphagia evaluation
- Bedside swallow assessment
- Swallowing therapy
- Aspiration-risk assessment
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Stroke rehabilitation
- TBI rehabilitation
- Post-intubation assessment
- Patient and caregiver education
- Functional safety assessment
- Discharge planning
- Clinical documentation Preferred Qualifications Strong candidates may also have:
- Acute-care Speech-Language Pathology experience
- Inpatient rehabilitation experience
- Adult neurological rehabilitation experience
- Modified Barium Swallow Study experience
- FEES experience
- Outpatient Speech-Language Pathology experience
- Previous travel therapy experience
- Experience with medically complex patients
- Experience working with interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams Patient Population The SLP may provide services to patients with conditions including:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Parkinson's disease
- Neurological impairment
- Trauma
- Prolonged or recent intubation
- Cognitive impairment
- Dysphagia
- Communication disorders
- Functional cognitive deficits affecting discharge safety Schedule Requirements
- Day Shift
- 40 hours per week
- Approximately five workdays per week
- Exact daily shift length and start/end times should be confirmed based on department scheduling.
- Some outpatient coverage may be required depending on patient volume and operational needs.
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Inpatient SLP
- Acute Care SLP
- Rehabilitation SLP
- Neuro Speech-Language Pathologist
- Dysphagia Therapist
- Hospital Speech Therapist
- Travel Speech-Language Pathologist Equal Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants based on education, experience, licensure, certifications, clinical skills, and the requirements of the position.