Lead Speech Language Pathologist

Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job – it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.

Under supervision of speech-language pathology manager, assists in coordinating day-to-day activities and operations of the speech-language pathology department; ensure adherence to regulatory, organizational and department policies and procedures. Serves as a preceptor, mentor, and resource to staff. Leads Quality Improvement process and utilizes information to further enhance the quality of services provided by the department. Leads community outreach, program development and staff education/training.

CLINICAL PRACTICE:

Provide direct patient care 50% of scheduled hours. Demonstrates advanced clinical practice in speech-language pathology and is a clinical mentor for staff. Provides coaching regarding all clinical and non- clinical duties of the speech-language pathologist (SLP). Leads patient care teams and represents the department on hospital wide and/or community-based committees.

EDUCATION/RESEARCH:

Models evidence based clinical care and leads staff with performing research endeavors, literature reviews and presents information to enhance staff's knowledge. Identify opportunities for staff development. Partner with internal/external resources to implement action plans, measuring success with patient outcomes. Leads community education and outreach events.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Leads 5-10 full-time equivalent SLPs. Responsible for orienting, training, checking the work of others, maintaining workflow status, tracking employee time on the timekeeping system and providing input on performance and hire/fire decisions. Identifies staff equipment, supply and service issues; communicates with appropriate personnel and follows through to resolve resource issues. Assist management with ordering and tracking therapeutic supplies and expenses. Demonstrates commitment to continuous quality improvement; leads change processes by independently coordinating quality improvement activities for the department. Follows through to resolution issues identified in patient satisfaction survey or through patient/parent complaint process.

Demonstrates knowledge of population-specific differences and needs of patients in populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers.

Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children's STANDARDS.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide feedback and coach assigned staff. Provide input to management on assigned staff for performance management and annual appraisals.
• Assists management with interviewing of staff, orienting/training of new staff.
• Monitors assigned staff productivity and holds staff accountable for achieving productivity goals.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Graduate of an accredited program in speech-language pathology. Master's Degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pediatric speech-language pathology.
• Able to demonstrate advanced clinical practice through certifications and/or achievement of advanced department competencies.

License and/or Certification Required:

• Current State of Connecticut SLP licensure required.
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required.
• Professional membership with American Speech-language hearing association (ASHA) required.

License and/or Certification Preferred:

• Orthopedic or Sports Clinical Specialist Certification preferred.
• Professional membership with CT speech and hearing association preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Broad range of SLP clinical care areas of assessment and treatment (and utilization of evidenced-based practice for same)

SLP scope of practice.
- Related accreditation and certification requirements; quality, safety, and infection control standards.

Skills:

• Department based competencies maintained for multiple general and advanced competencies.
• Computer proficiency in Windows environment.
• Beginning to intermediate skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Excellent Time Management, Organizational and Communication Skills.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.

Abilities:

• Work assigned off-shifts, including evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Understand and interpret educational needs; determine training objectives; and to design, develop, implement, and evaluate training plans, curricula, and methodology.
• Provide expert care and consultation to patients/families, demonstrate clinical competencies within specialty area, and assess the competencies of others.
• Demonstrate all Connecticut Children's Leadership competencies or potential to do so.
• Assess performance of assigned therapists both clinical and behavioral via performance appraisal; serve as a coach, mentor or preceptor.
• Utilize independent judgment to resolve problems and make decisions on routine managerial matters on assigned shift.
• Hold assigned staff accountable for Connecticut Children's core behaviors, role accountabilities, and professional development plan.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ensure own reliable transportation to and from various locations in the State of Connecticut for service delivery.
• Instruct patients/families in speech-language pathology methods