JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Rehabilitation Services, the Speech Pathologist Evaluation and treatment of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders. Works independently with a high degree of professional autonomy. Works with individuals from birth through geriatrics. May work in acute care, post-acute care, home health and outpatient settings. Development and implementation of treatment programs. Patient, family, and community education. Documentation of the above information and activities. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assesses patients to determine their communication needs, strengths, age related problems, and rehabilitation potential. This includes periodic reassessment.
2. Plans individualized treatment programs, based on assessment results, physician's order, and clinical judgment.
3. Documents all necessary information in the patient's medical record.
4. Teaches patients and their families regarding communication disorders, treatment plan, self-help measures, and prevention.
5. Treats patients according to the assessment results and treatment plan established, using age-appropriate techniques, materials, and activities.
6. Provides education to other departments and to the public in the form of in-services, lectures, or classes.
7. Coordinates services and treatment plan with patient, family, and other disciplines.
8. Provides Home Health services: Assesses communication needs and provides treatment as indicated in the home environment.
9. Demonstrates job related aspects of patent safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
10. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures.
11. Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports hospital's mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists with other department needs such as scheduling, answering the telephone, etc.
2. Assists other staff with treatments as necessary.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

1. Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology required, Doctorate's degree is preferred
2. Successful completion of ASHA National Board Examination. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) or eligible to complete CFY to obtain CCC

EXPERIENCE

1. Successful completion of all field work placements
2. Demonstrated competency in physical therapy principles/techniques
3. New grads welcome, two years of experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

1. Able to travel independently throughout all Memorial Healthcare facilities.
2. Small motor skills required for operating modern computer, office, and telephone equipment as utilized by Memorial Healthcare (MHC).
3. Sufficient strength and stability to perform passive, active, or resistive exercises.
4. Ability to travel independently within the clinic, homes and area high schools.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
2. Ability to perform manual therapy techniques and operate treatment/assessment equipment.
3. Fine motor skills to apply taping, braces, etc.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
3. Ability to interpret assessment results, follow the developed treatment plan, and evaluate patient's response to treatment.
4. Sufficient clinical knowledge of speech therapy principles to work autonomously.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
3. Ability to communicate receptively and expressively in English (in writing and verbally) with patients, families, and staff. Ability to access patient records.
4. Tactile/proprioceptive skills sufficient for effective palpation and examination of patients.
5. Ability to visually and auditory monitor treatment and patient's response to treatment.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
6. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
7. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
8. Ability to effectively motivate patients and interact effectively with patients, families, students, physicians, hospital staff, and others involved with the patient's care.
9. Ability to maintain a successful relationship with area high school personnel.