Speech Language Pathologist

Overview

Under the direction of the Rehab Director, the SLP evaluates plans, identifies, assesses, interprets, diagnoses, and administers medically prescribed speech therapy treatment to patients. Selects and executes procedures for screening and assessment of speech, language, oral pharyngeal function, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders; formulates, carries out, and documents plan of care throughout the continuum of care in the inpatient and outpatient setting; and encompasses pediatric through geriatric populations. The SLP educates patients, family/caregivers and staff regarding impairments of speech, language, swallowing, and cognition disorders.

Responsibilities

Screening assessment, and evaluation of patients

• Appropriately selects and executes procedures for screening and assessment of speech, language, and cognition of patients.
• Appropriately selects and executes clinical procedures for screening and assessment of swallowing in patients.
• Appropriately selects and provides fluorographic assessment of swallowing.
• Documents results of assessment and evaluation in a clear and concise manner according to policy and procedures.

Formulation and periodic revision of plans of care

• Appropriately formulates and revises plans of care for speech, language, and cognition in patients.
• Appropriately formulates and revises plans of care for swallowing.
• Documents care plans and changes in care plans in a clear and concise manner according to policies and procedures.

Provision of treatment

• Appropriately provides treatment for speech, language, and cognition.
• Appropriately provides treatment for swallowing in patients.
• Documents care that is provided in a clear and concise manner according to policies and procedures.

Patient discharge planning

• Appropriately plans for discharge from speech pathology services for speech, language, and cognition.
• Appropriately plans for discharge from speech pathology services for swallowing.
• Documents plans for discharge clearly and concisely according to policies and procedures.

Patient, family and staff education

• Provides appropriate patient, family and staff education regarding impairments of speech, language, and cognition.
• Provides appropriate patient, family and staff education regarding impairments of swallowing in patients.
• Documents education in a clear and concise manner according to policies and procedures.

Patient-care conferences

• Attends 80% of patient-care conferences.
• Provides clear, objective, up-to-date clinical information in patient-care conferences, including current, past, and projected functional levels.
• Participates actively and productively in the team problem-solving and planning process. Completes documentation of participation in conferences according to policies and procedures.

Complies with hospital and department policies and procedures in order to meet department

• Plans, organizes, and controls own time effectively for direct patient-care, documentation, record keeping and other job requirements.
• Participates in departmental PI process.
• Serves on program committees as requested.
• Demonstrates flexibility with requests for time-off, considering needs of the department.

Upholds the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Code of Ethics and state statues pertaining to speech-language pathology.

• Performs ethically at all times.
• Maintains acceptable standards of care.

Performs within the philosophy and organizational structure of the institution, the program, and the standards governing the profession of speech-language pathology.

• Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth.
• Independently keeps up-to-date with trends and developments in speech-language pathology practice, procedures, and techniques.
• Makes recommendations for implementation of new and improved practices and procedures.
• Presents in-service training to agency.
• Complies with all safety and infection control standards.
• Completes assignments independently within the established time-frame.
• Utilizes department equipment, supplies, and resources in a conscientious and cost effective manner.
• Participates in achievement of departmental objectives.
• Maintains cleanliness of immediate work area and shares in maintaining orderliness of department. Shows concern and reports equipment malfunction and general maintenance needs.

Communicates effectively with all appropriate individuals regarding patients, staff, and personal issues

• Communicates regularly with clinical supervisor, and case manager regarding specific patient problems, goals, and status changes.
• Maintains effective communication and expresses ideas clearly with patients, patients' families, agency staff, physicians, supervisors, and other hospital personnel.
• Keeps supervisor informed of personal concerns that may affect job performance.
• Uses appropriate channels of communication.

Age Specific Competencies

• Adults
  • When treating adults, as delegated by the physical therapist, takes into account the age/cognitive level of the patient.
  • Takes into consideration the daily activities when carrying out a treatment program. Recognizes/responds to the patient's reaction to illness and hospitalization.
  • Interacts appropriately with families/guardians, referring questions regarding treatment to primary therapist, nurse of physician, as appropriate.
• Geriatric
  • When treating elderly adults, as delegated by the physical therapist, takes into account the age/cognitive level of the patient.
  • Takes into consideration the daily activities when carrying out a treatment program. Recognizes/responds to the patient's reaction to illness and hospitalization.
  • When treating elderly adults, interacts appropriately with families/guardians, referring questions regarding treatment to the primary therapist, nurse or physician as appropriate.

Cultural Competency

• Exhibits culturally responsive attitude including flexibility, empathy, respect, and awareness of communication needs.

Qualifications

A Master's degree* or higher from an accredited college or university with specialization in speech pathology, communication disorders, or a related field -and- Two (2) years of speech-language pathology experience in a clinic or educational institution as a state licensed speech-language pathologist preferred. License(s) and Certificate(s): Current licensure by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board to practice speech pathology -AND- Current Certificate of Clinical Competence as a Speech-Language Pathologist issued by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

A valid California Class C Driver License.

All required licenses and certifications must be active and unrestricted or your application will not be accepted.

Physical Class II - Light:

Light physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable walking may be involved.

Desirable Qualifications:

Additional credit will be given to applicants who possess the following desirable qualifications:

• Experience performing modified barium swallow studies.
• Experience with dysphagia management in a healthcare setting**.
• Additional credit will be given for experience as a Licensed Speech Language Pathologist beyond the Selection Requirements.

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