Speech Language Pathologist

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 professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. An entry level role that applies broad theoretical job knowledge typically obtained through advanced education. May require the following proficiency: work is closely supervised, problems faced are not typically difficult or complex, and explains facts, policies and practices related to job area.

Job Overview

This clinician is responsible for evaluating and diagnosing problems relating to speech, language, and communication disorders. Responsible for formulating and recommending a plan, which may include therapy for the diagnosed problems, referrals for further consultations, extended speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program in order to achieve a maximum level of functional independence. This position may work in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. This position is also responsible for documenting all age appropriate patient care appropriately in the medical record to comply with the policies and procedures of the department and JCAHO requirements.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

2. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association.

3. Speech Therapist License.

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Six (6) years of experience including two (2) years of experience with head injured patients.

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. Evaluates and/or screens patients referred to Speech and Language Pathology with a high degree of professional competency & efficiency while successfully delivering competent care to patients in a continuum of ages from infancy to adulthood.

2. Based on behavioral observations, a complete case history from the patient and/or the family, and the results of standardized tests, is responsible for evaluating the status of the patient/client and making a diagnosis using accepted professional standards and individual experience and judgement.

3. Makes recommendations which may include therapy, referrals for further consultations, extended speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program monitored by the clinician.

4. Prepares complete written reports of evaluations and progress of individual cases.

5. Consults with clients, patients and/or caregiver concerning recommendations and necessary carryover programs. Evaluates progress to ascertain effectiveness of home programs.

6. Selects the appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services, and providing these in a consistent, efficient manner of high-quality patient care.

7. Informs and consults with medical personnel concerning type, extent, and prognosis of speech and/or language disorders with regard to pre and post operative, medicinal or other medically prescribed procedures.

8. Follows through with client needs: communicates with professionals, other disciplines, and businesspersons serving the client, and provides information to various social agencies, which may be involved.

9. Completes documentation, including evaluation reports, progress notes, periodic re-assessments and d/c summaries in a timely manner. Complies with insurance requirements including obtaining MD signatures and insurance approvals.

10. Participates in regularly held staff conferences, to determine and reassess treatment goals and progress; and for attending family conferences to keep the family abreast of progress and problems.

11. Participates in interdisciplinary and family conferences with other professionals serving the patient in order to coordinate services.

12. Educates and in-services staff on clinical skills, acts as a clinical liaison to other staff. Assumes accountability for professional growth and development in order to maintain a high level of clinical competency, accepts role of clinical instructor.

13. Coordinates, oversees and is responsible for the day to day operations of scheduling, hiring, training and other daily operations for the Speech and Language Program.

14. Monitors individual workloads and assisting the appointment secretary in scheduling sufficient clinical activity in order to meet workload requirement.

15. Keeps abreast of current literature in the field and for acquiring the knowledge and skills regarding new tests, instruments, machines, etc. in the field.

16. Maintains a working knowledge of the patient care program and devices available to patients.

17. May be responsible for initiating and/or participating in research projects, as required.

18. May perform related bookkeeping duties.

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, and communicative 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.