Job Profile Summary 

​This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Audio/Speech Therapy related duties: Evaluates patients and uses sound therapy to improve physical and mental conditions. Responsibilities also include improving physical and mental conditions through treating a variety of speech disorders and communication difficulties.   A management role that supervises employees focusing on tactical, operational activities within a specified area, with the majority of time spent overseeing area of responsibility, planning, prioritizing and/or directing the responsibilities of employees. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and/or indirect reports.  A role that manages experienced professionals who exercise latitude and independence in assignments.  Responsibilities typically include:  policy and strategy implementation for short-term results (1 year or less), problems faced are difficult to moderately complex, and influences others outside of own job area regarding policies, practices and procedures. 

Job Overview 

This position is responsible for overseeing all clinical, administrative and academic activities related to Department of Speech-Language Pathology. Duties include staff supervision, clinical operations management, clinical assessments and supervision, clinical care and instruction and education of residents and medical students. 

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Master’s or Doctoral degree in Speech Language Pathology. 

2. Current certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language and Hearing Assoc. 

3. Speech Pathologist license. 

4. Five (5) years of clinical experience post CFY within an academic center. 

5. Previous clinical leadership experience. 

6. Experience implementing and interpreting perceptual, acoustic and aerodynamic measures of vocal function. 

7. Experience administering and interpretation of modified barium swallow (MBS) studies. 

8. Experience performing fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videolaryngostroboscopy. 

9. Experience in intensive care units and evaluation of patients with tracheostomies including Passy Muir speaking valve evaluations and evaluation of swallowing in patients with tracheostomies. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Provides oversight of all speech language pathology staff including selection, assignment, supervision and training. 

2. Develops and implements department policies and protocols. 

3. Works closely with leadership to develop and maintain effective fiscal and clinical activity. 

4. Develops and oversees quality improvement projects to advance the level of clinical care, enhance patient experience and identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.  

5. Oversees and participates in clinical activities related to speech language pathology including comprehensive assessment and treatment of inpatients and outpatients with voice disorders, swallowing disorders, artificial airways and head and neck cancer. 

6. Fosters communication and growth in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology through regular departmental staff meetings, journal clubs and other educational opportunities. 

7. Monitors clinical workload and assists the administrative staff with scheduling sufficient clinical activity in order to meet workload requirement. 

8. Works closely with head and neck surgeons regarding post-radiation swallowing management, alaryngeal speech restoration and TEP prosthesis management. 

9. Participates in Tracheostomy Team leadership for the management of patients with artificial airways. 

10. Participates in weekly Head and Neck Tumor Board and monthly Comprehensive Stroke Committee. 

11. Collaborates with otolaryngology, cardiothoracic surgery and gastroenterology on interdisciplinary care for swallowing, breathing and voice disorders during monthly Aerodigestive Conference. 

12. Develops and coordinates institutional and departmental relationships through outreach, in-services, educational programs, and interdisciplinary care initiatives. 

13. Oversees and participates in the training of residents and medical students in didactic sessions and clinical settings. 

14. Provides teaching through in-service lectures and presentations to other professionals, departments, programs and service providers regarding speech language pathology, voice and swallowing disorders. 

15. Coordinates speech language pathology graduate student extern activities during their placement at the hospital. 

16. Maintains ongoing continuing education and training in the current practices of the field of Speech-Language Pathology, specifically within the areas of voice and swallowing disorders. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Frequent standing & walking & transferring of patients. 

2. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard, dexterity to provide quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques to a wide variety of patients. 

3. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.   

4. Visually assess injury and functional status of patients, audibly assess patient subjective complaints. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1.Broad foundation of knowledge and skills in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a wide variety of speech, language, cognitive, communicative, and swallowing disorders. 

2. Demonstrate interpersonal skills including communication, teamwork, and willing to work one-on-one or a group basis. 

3. Ability to work independently, to be self-motivated and well organized. Ability to function well in very busy situations. 

4. Responsible and reliable. 

5. Demonstrates flexibility and able to adjust to changes at a moment’s notice. 

6.  Maturity to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary setting. 

7. Able to work effectively with a wide variety of patients with acute and long term disability. 

8. Ability to read/write and communicate in English. 

9. Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients of all different age populations in order to provide care appropriately.  

10. Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect and adjust plan of care as appropriate. 

11. Demonstrates proper time management skills to attain department productivity while assuring quality patient care. 

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.