Speech Therapist - PRN in Guthrie Center, Iowa at Guthrie County Hospital

Come be a part of the GCH team! GCH is not only named one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation, but was recently named one of the TOP 20. We pride ourselves on our excellent patient care and exceptional staff, and we are looking to add to our team!

GCH is dedicated to providing our employees not just a job, but a career where they can grow and have their voices heard. GCH offers an extensive benefits discount including:

• Professional Development Packages (shared governance committees, tuition reimbursement, & education/licensure assistance)
• Competitive compensation
• For benefit eligible positions - generous PTO, full benefits package, IPERS, and employee discounts for GCH & Clinic services
• Work/Life Balance Perks (free fitness center membership, discounted personal training, discounted meals, & EAP)

JOB SUMMARY: The Speech Therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats individuals with speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. This role provides therapeutic interventions, patient and family education, and collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. The Speech Therapist also trains staff and other healthcare providers.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Evaluation & Treatment

· Complete diagnostic evaluations and provide treatment for communication and swallowing disorders.

· Uses written and oral tests, special tools, and instrumentation to assess speech, language, and swallowing impairments.

· Develop individualized plans of care based on assessment outcomes and patient needs.

· Select and teach augmentative and alternative communication systems, including automated devices and sign language.

· Provide therapeutic interventions to improve speech, voice, language skills, and overall communication ability.

· Assist patients recovering speech abilities to enhance educational, vocational, and social functioning.

Patient & Family Support

· Counsel patients and families to support understanding, coping, and adaptation related to communication disorders.

· Work with families to identify and modify behavior patterns that impact communication.

· Educate caregivers and involved healthcare professionals on treatment goals, strategies, and progress.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

· Collaborate with healthcare providers in planning and delivering speech therapy services.

· Participate in patient care conferences, medical rounds, and family meetings to review progress and plan follow-up care.

· Provide input for performance improvement projects and departmental program development.

Documentation & Compliance

· Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation of assessments, treatments, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

· Ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.

· Document ongoing assessments reflecting patient status, responses to treatment, teaching provided, and discharge outcomes.

Safety, Standards & Infection Control

· Administer treatments using two patient identifiers, standard precautions, and appropriate risk assessment.

· Apply correct body mechanics and transfer/lifting techniques for injury prevention.

· Follow National Patient Safety Goals applicable to critical access hospitals.

· Implement infection control procedures including hand hygiene, isolation precautions, PPE use.

· Properly manage narcotic waste, sharps, and hazardous materials.

· Adhere to HIPAA requirements, maintaining strict confidentiality of all patient and organizational information.

· Comply with all federal and state regulations and the organization’s compliance program

This job description outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may change as organizational needs evolve.

· Bachelor’s degree or higher from an approved Speech Therapy program

· Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA or certificate-eligible within one year of hire

· Current Iowa licensure in Speech Pathology

· Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

· Ability to perform modified barium swallow studies

· Hospital-based experience preferred