Per Diem Speech Pathologist

Speech Pathologist

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

The Speech Pathologist assesses, treats, and helps to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing problems. The Speech Pathologist works with patients of all ages.

Qualifications

License/Certification Required:

• Current CA Speech Pathologist license
• BLS

Preferred: Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Department Specific Requirements:

• If assigned to the Infant, Pediatric, and Adolescent Units: one year of infant, pediatric, and adolescent experience is encouraged.
• If assigned to Home Health: must have a valid California Drivers License, auto insurance, and be willing to operate personal car necessitated by nature of job.

Job Responsibilities

Essential:

• Must pass an annual competency assessment conducted by a Speech Pathologist.
• Administers standard formal evaluations as appropriate based on factors such as patient age, diagnosis, and clinical information from chart review and/or patient/family interview. Able to evaluate patient deficits without formal measures when patient is unable to participate with formal testing.
• Completes documentation in a timely manner, with clear indications of progress towards functional goals.
• Plans individual treatment program following physician's orders.
• Performs therapy treatment procedures as indicated and safely.
• Provides instruction to team regarding patient's functional needs as needed.
• Contacts physician for changes in treatment plan and program.
• Trains patient and/or patient's family/caregiver regarding patients care need during functional daily activities.
• Secures equipment for patients use in all settings and makes necessary fitting adjustments.
• Completes daily charges.
• Participates in continuing education to remain current in new treatment procedures, active in providing in-services to department staff.

Meets/exceeds productivity requirement. Assists with orientation of new therapists and assistants to department policies, procedures, and physical plant. Services provided are age appropriate. Therapists providing services to infants, children, and adolescents will ensure that treatment includes modalities and equipment appropriate to the developmental level of the patient. Attends required meetings for the department and Kaweah Health. Meets or exceeds requirements for the given practice settings set forth by appropriate regulatory bodies (Joint Commission, CDPH, CMS, Etc.).

Addendum (essential for specific dept): If assigned to the Infant, Pediatric, and Adolescent Units: A CCS paneled therapist will be available for general supervision if services are provided by non-CCS paneled therapist. Evaluates functional capabilities of infants, children, and adolescents with physical disabilities using appropriate assessment tools; establishes speech therapy treatment goals and plans of services. Coordinates with a CCS case manager regarding ongoing therapy services after hospital discharge. Participates in case conference as needed.

Additional: Assists with day to day operations of the department as needed. Participates in employee evaluation process via peer reviews as requested.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care. Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $62.00 -$62.00

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.