Speech-Language Pathologist - Per Diem

• 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