Speech Pathologist

Position Summary – 

The Speech Pathologist function as a member of the patient care team by providing speech therapy services and is accountable for assessment, treatment, and education of patients and the appropriate documentation of such care. Responsible for supervising the patient care activities of their assistant, aide, student and/or clinical fellow, and to assist with other educational program development and research activities conducted by the department or the hospital. The areas of service may include, but are not limited to acute care, geriatric psychiatry and outpatient.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – 

Performed majority of the time:

·         Administers standardized speech/language pathology tests and demonstrates proficiency in appropriate treatment and patient education

·         Provides evidence based speech therapy evaluations and treatments to adolescent, adult and geriatric patients based on principles of growth and development and life stages.

·         Proficiency in operation and maintenance of equipment commonly utilized by a speech-language pathologist per department check off list

·         Documents patient evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge in a timely manner in the EMR and in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and per hospital policy.

·         Completes documents required by the various outpatient payor groups in the outpatient setting.

·         Bills in congruence with documented patient treatment.

·         Achieves patient care productivity standards established by department

·         Conducts thorough evaluation of patients and creates appropriate treatment plans to meet individual needs, interests, and abilities.

·         Refers to or communicates with primary care provider regarding concerns about patients as needed.

·         Prioritizes patient care appropriately, coordinating duties and clinic resources in an effective manner.

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

·         Participates in continuing education seminars, department in-services, safety training and other educational opportunities within the hospital and community; uses new knowledge as appropriate situations arise.

·         Refers to or communicates with primary care provider regarding concerns about patients as needed

·         Completes patient safety reports as needed.

·         Collaborates with case management regarding discharge plan and recommendations when needed.

·         Develops and implements marketing strategies as requested by manager to physicians, patients, and community to create greater demand for services.

·         Participates in performance reviews.

Decision making and budget responsibilities:

·         Impact limited to the employee and the wellbeing of the patient.

·         Takes an active role in helping the department meet budgetary goals.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

·         Completion of master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders.

Preferred

·         N/A

Experience:

Required

·         N/A

Preferred

·         Minimum one (1) year of acute care experience.

·         MBSS experience

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:

Required

·         Current unencumbered speech-language pathology license in the State of Oregon.

·         Current Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech/language pathology issued by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

·         American Heart Association HealthCare Provider BLS preferred upon hire, and required within 90 days of hire.

Preferred

·         N/A

Job Related Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

Required

·         Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules regarding patient treatment and documentation.

·         Complies with guidelines of accrediting bodies (TJC, DNV etc)

·         Practices in accordance with professional licensing, laws and professional practice act.

·         Demonstrates effective positive interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively as a team.

·         Demonstrates excellent customer service skills and participation in patient/customer satisfaction.

·         Presents a personal appearance that makes a positive first impression.

·         Must be able to work in multiple locations in one day.

·         Must be willing to work holidays and weekends as needed.

·         Utilizes appropriate Speech Pathology assessment, treatment and education skills.

·         Uses time effectively, responding to requests for inpatient service within 24 hours.

·         Demonstrates proficiency in operation, maintenance and use of all speech pathology equipment available in department.

·         Prioritizes patient care appropriately, coordinating duties and clinic resources in an effective manner.

·         Demonstrates knowledge of currently accepted speech/language pathology theory and practice including legal and ethical issues through seminars/conferences, continuing medical education programs, recent literature.

·         Recognizes professional and training limitations and makes appropriate referrals to specialists as necessary.

·         Establishes clinical/professional relationships with primary care providers, patients, patients’ family and other healthcare providers.

·         Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively with patients/family/staff in writing and verbally.

·         Provides ability to be flexible with schedule to meet unanticipated needs of care providers and flux of service demand.

·         Follows procedures for use of personal protective equipment, infection control and disposal of hazardous waste and sharps, to assure personal safety.

·         Promotes accident prevention and reports potential hazards to maintain a safe environment.

·         Demonstrates confidentiality regarding patient information according to PHI level of access

Preferred

·         Bilingual skills.