Therapist-Speech III Certified Neonatal

Evaluates and assesses neonates to establish functional, measurable goals to promote development of functional abilities. Identify and provide treatment according to a written plan of care to meet established goals.

Plans for safe discharge and communicates findings and progress according to professional licensure/certification, scope of practice and departmental/discipline policies and procedures. Ensures family involvement and understanding with regards to neonates, including necessary follow up following discharge.

Produces other reports as needed. May supervise clinical students and support staff including certified/licensed assistants, technicians, and volunteers. Provides a caring relationship that facilitates health, and healing.

Provides leadership support, participates on hospital committees, serves as a resource and ambassador for performance improvement to clinical and management staff. Adheres to the ASHA Code of Ethics.

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluates and treatment of infants/children in NICU with a variety of diagnoses, which may affect the following systems: family and psychosocial, neurodevelopment, neuromotor, neurobehavioral, sensory, oral motor, and feeding/swallow.

• Develops a written plan of care.
• Provides treatment according to established goals on plan of care, including individualized therapeutic intervention designed to promote development and reduce readmissions.

• Provide therapeutic interventions to optimize development and facilitate the prevention of adverse sequelae due to prematurity and/or iatrogenic problems associated with prolonged hospitalization.

• Documents interventions/care in the patient's medical record.
• Evaluates effectiveness of plan of care and reassesses patient's functional status as needed.

• Assess neonate-feeding capabilities through evaluation and testing.
• Provides discharge-planning information which includes patient/family education, follow-up, and referral to community resources.

• Complete feeding/dysphagia assessments and treatments as indicated.
• Contributes to the development of staff and students.
• Participates in activities designed to improve health care delivery.
• Completes assigned goals.
• Perform modified barium swallow studies on inpatient and outpatient neonates.

• Provide feeding recommendation, including diet and route.
• Provide one on one education to parents/caregiver.
• Assist with transition to breast prior to discharge from hospital.
• Educate all new nursing staff regarding therapy in the well-baby, NICU or PICU, oral feeding, premature infant development and developmental care.

• Oversee developmental care practice in the NICU; lead or participate in developmental care and/or nutrition/feeding committee.

• Create/administer/participate in yearly competencies for NICU therapy staff.

Experience

Minimum Required

3 years of clinical experience

Preferred/Desired

Experience with lactation support and education.

Education

Minimum Required

Master’s degree in speech-language pathology or education required by licensure..

Special Skills

Minimum Required

Basic computer literacy skills

Licensure

SLP; BLS Certification Within 14 Days of Hire