Job Summary
Madera Community Hospital is seeking a Speech-Language Pathologist to evaluate and treat patients with speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders across our inpatient and/or outpatient settings. You'll develop individualized treatment plans based on physician referral and clinical evaluation, conduct swallow studies and dysphagia management, document patient progress in accordance with regulatory and payer requirements, and collaborate closely with physicians, nursing, case management, and the broader care team to support safe, timely patient recovery and discharge planning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform speech-language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing evaluations per physician referral and establish individualized plans of care
- Conduct bedside swallow evaluations and assist with instrumental swallow studies (e.g., MBS/FEES) as clinically indicated
- Provide direct patient treatment, including speech/language therapy, cognitive-communication retraining, and dysphagia management
- Document evaluations, treatment sessions, progress notes, and discharge summaries in the EMR in compliance with Title 22, Joint Commission, and payer documentation standards
- Communicate and coordinate care with physicians, nursing staff, occupational and physical therapy, case management, and dietary services
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and discharge planning to support safe transitions of care
- Monitor patient response to treatment and modify plans of care as clinically indicated
- Educate patients and family/caregivers on communication strategies, swallowing precautions, and home exercise programs
- Maintain productivity and documentation standards consistent with department expectations
- Participate in department performance improvement activities, in-services, and mandatory hospital training
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the Speech-Language Pathologist license
Education and Licensure
- Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program
- Current California Speech-Language Pathologist license in good standing (or eligible with active application)
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA required (or actively completing Clinical Fellowship Year)
- Current BLS certification (American Heart Association) required
Experience
- New graduates and Clinical Fellows welcome to apply; acute care or inpatient rehab experience preferred
- Experience with dysphagia management and swallow studies preferred
- Prior experience with EMR documentation systems preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Working knowledge of speech-language and swallowing evaluation tools and treatment modalities
- Strong clinical judgment and ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with patients, families, and care team members
- Ability to prioritize a caseload and manage time effectively in a fast-paced hospital environment
- Basic computer literacy and ability to navigate EMR/documentation systems
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
- Frequent standing, walking, and close patient interaction; may include positioning or assisting patients during swallow evaluations
- Ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs. and provide physical assistance to patients as needed
- Work is performed in a clinical hospital setting with potential exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and hazardous materials; standard precautions apply
- May require flexibility in scheduling, including occasional weekend or on-call coverage based on department needs
