Speech Language Pathologist I in Cherokee, North Carolina at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority

Primary Function

Serves in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Department Director to provide a Speech Language program at CIHA, CIHA satellite clinics and long-term care services at Tsali Care Center through developing a comprehensive and full spectrum service line for speech language pathology including but not limited to rehabilitation and swallow diagnostic services. Serves as a Speech Language Pathologist providing quality evaluations and treatments of patient populations for swallowing as well as speech-language and therapy needs. Services provided through a written plan of care and in accordance of state and federal regulations. As a Speech Language Pathologist, the incumbent participates in all aspects of the department including program planning, delivery of patient care, performance improvement and other duties as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Practices the profession of Speech Language Pathology as a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, requiring knowledge and application of concepts, principles and practice of evaluation, treatment and prevention of swallowing and speech-language therapy needs.
• Responsible for a high degree of professional competence, skill and judgement in assessment, planning and carrying out the full range of treatment interventions, patient and family education and discharge planning for a variety of inpatient, outpatient and long-term care conditions and situations. Treatment objectives are complex and procedures involve application of highly specialized skills and knowledge.
• Responsible for the oversight of Speech Language Pathologist Assistants and the full scope of practice for the assistant’s duties.
• Responsible for preparing speech language pathology equipment and exam room ensuring proper sterilization and safety procedures are followed.
• Develops and coordinates team approach for complex clinical problems. Performs case management as needed by interfacing with Primary Care team or other referral sources.
• May function as a Clinical Instructor for educational programs, which include the training of Speech Language Pathologist interns from affiliated university programs.
• Provides in-service programs for PTs, OTs, Wound Care staff, Respiratory Staff medical staff, nursing, other agencies and the community.
• Maintains NC licensure standards and participates in Continuing Education which may be directed by departmental needs. Shares CE knowledge with fellow clinicians. Uses evidence-based knowledge to drive clinical decision making, evaluation and treatments.
• Has or is developing a concentration in a specialty area of Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
• Participates in monitoring quality of patient care rendered by the department, quality improvement programs and health promotion activities pertinent to Speech-Language Pathology, including CIHA hospital and Tsali Care Center accreditation processes.
• May be required to participate in managing and/or planning activities for the department by assuming responsibility for completion of monthly statistics and forwarding them to the Rehabilitation Director for review and report to Operations Executive Director, or be required to assume responsibility for managing the department in absence of the Director or Supervising Therapist.
• Provides consultation to the medical and clinical staff on matters pertaining to swallowing and speech-language disorders and/or patient progress.
• Communication consistently reflects professionalism, persuasiveness and is based on best evidence.
• Represents Speech Language Pathology regarding general program planning for patient care services with multi-disciplinary care teams or at rounds.
• Participates in clinical research efforts and specialty clinics as needed.
• Develops and maintains clinical processes and procedures under direction of the Department director in accordance with all applicable accrediting organizations and participates in applicable accreditation inspections.
• Maintains clinical processes and procedures, including accurate documentation of speech language pathology therapy and swallow study visits that facilitates reimbursement and meets compliance standards.
• Uses safe work practices that include following established policies and procedures for safety and infection control, following universal blood/body fluid precautions and reporting accidents/incidents promptly.
• Organizes and prioritizes work efficiently to maintain a high level of productivity without sacrificing quality.
• May be necessary to work when Administrative Leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.

Education / Experience

• Graduate from an accredited Speech Language Pathology Program with a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders is required.
• Active North Carolina State Licensure and Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is required or attainable within 1 year of employment.
• 3-5 years of experience in the field of patient care for Speech-Language Pathology is preferred.

Job Knowledge

• Professional and clinical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuro-anatomy, neuro-psychology, biomechanics, disease entities including causes, course of disease, symptoms and signs, treatment and prognosis.
• Knowledge of therapeutic programs in speech- language therapy and how to devise them.
• Patient evaluation procedures and how to implement comprehensive patient treatment plans.
• Expertise in the development of various therapeutic activities and an understanding of the education processes in order to instruct speech-language therapy patients and family members or caregivers.
• How to communicate and work effectively with others under varying conditions and situations.
• Knowledge of regulatory agencies, practices, policies, and procedures and ability to develop, assess and maintain documentation required by certifying/accrediting agencies.
• Knowledge of Privacy Act regulations and HIPPA regulations governing the confidential safeguarding and dissemination of medical information/records.
• Ability to become proficient in using the CIHA electronic health record

Complexity of Duties

Clinically, the work involves planning and carrying out a full range of speech language pathology therapy and swallow studies using a wide variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques specific to standard speech-language pathology practice. A complex approach to clinical decision making is required while accounting for changes in patients’ needs or status, change in rehabilitation programs, changes in coding or billing requirements, technological developments in therapy and evolution of knowledge in the broader medical fields. Provides the foundation and program development for new service line of SLP services at CIHA with the opportunity to expand services to satellite clinics and TCC as needed.

Effective and precise communication and high-quality customer service skills are needed to provide instruction, exchange information, gain assistance, and dispense data among patients and families, medical providers and other internal and external customers.

Supervision Received

The incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Rehabilitation Department Manager. The director approves the incumbent’s schedule. The incumbent will work an 8-hour shift Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 am and 6:00 pm predetermined by the incumbent and the supervisor. Rotation through on-call weekend and holiday schedules as outlined in the CCC-SLP policies and procedures is required. The incumbent performs all assigned duties in accordance with defined hospital regulations, policies, and procedures in order to accomplish each identified unit objective, priority, and deadline. Performs independently in carrying out each assignment, which requires individual initiative and judgment when interpreting a procedure relative to each established policy and objective. Consults with the supervisor on matters, that conflict with established regulations, policies, and procedures. The incumbent must be able to work with very little supervisory control.

Responsibility for Accuracy

A high degree of accuracy is required in performing basic procedures and in interpreting Speech Language Pathology Therapy orders. Undetected errors could have minimal or extreme results in patient comfort and recovery. Review of work following established procedures, protocol, and quality audits will prevent most errors. Judgmental failures result in clinical services of poor quality, which affects service unit speech language pathology goals, and health status of individual patient.

Contact with Others

Has frequent contacts with coworkers, other health professionals, patients, and their families, where tact, courtesy, and diplomacy are required to maintain positive relationships. Such contacts are of an informal nature occurring in person, at routine meetings, or on the telephone. Requires sensitivity to others while dealing with patients and their families.

Incumbent participates in the training of Speech Language Pathology students, facilitates/maintains working relationships with academic personnel and SLP interns from affiliated programs. Works with volunteers.

Confidential Data

An above average degree of discretion is required, and adherence to HIPPAA is mandated by Federal Law. Must adhere to all hospital and tribal confidentiality policies, procedures, and guidelines. Has access to all medical records and prescribed treatment plans for patients; all of which are confidential. Must maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical, and personnel records, and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. Adheres to all tribal and federal guidelines, policies, and procedures for working with confidential data. Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action including dismissal.

Mental / Visual / Physical

The incumbent exercises initiative and independent judgement to plan and provide patient care services. The work is considered moderately active and requires the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and lift while assisting patients with exercises, transfers and ambulation. Prolonged standing and walking are required as well as the ability to perform manual therapy. Fine motor skills are needed for wound care and orthotic production. Job duties can be mentally/emotionally stressful at times. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. May occasionally move up to 50 pounds.

Environment

Involves various hospital settings including inpatient ward, recovery center, outpatient clinic, Emergency Department, Primary Care Clinic, Satellite Clinic and Skilled Nursing Facility. Occasionally, other care settings may be used for comprehensive care, as needed. Involves the use of standard PPE including surgical mask, gloves, gowns and protective eyewear.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.