Speech Language Pathologist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job Summary: Responsible for administration and direct application of Speech-language Pathology services to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults as prescribed by a referring physician. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The staff therapist coordinates, delegates and supervises responsibilities assigned to supportive staff (SLPA, Rehab Aide, CNA, etc.). The staff therapist participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls and takes appropriate actionto remain in budget guidelines. Ensures that patient changes are accurate and entered on a timely basis. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Responsible for direction of the speech therapy department certified staff, including speech language pathology assistants, rehab aides, and restorative CNAs.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, recommends change to physician and appropriate referrals as needed.
• Ability to perform an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided, reassessments as per policy and treatment based upon needs identified by assessments. 
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of speech language pathology modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and family.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves them in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff and administrative team.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Participates in performance improvement activities for department and organizational CQI activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Assists in ordering supplies. 
• Assists in evaluation of certified staff.
• Participates in educational staff performance improvement in-services. Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified departmental staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs. Completes supervision of and collaborates with therapists on supervision of students and volunteers

Requirements:

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission, state and federal regulations and standards.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty.
• Attends staff and committee meetings. Reads and returns minutes when meeting are missed. 
• Attends other assigned meetings and follows up with assignments.

Education/Regulatory Requirements & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an education program accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech–Language Pathology. 
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) or be eligible to apply for CCC certification. 
• Current Oklahoma licensure in Speech-Language Pathology as a Speech Pathologist. 
• CPR which can be obtained during orientation period.
• Previous work history that demonstrates steady attendance and punctuality is required.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English. 
• Additional languages preferred. 
• Strong written and verbal skills.

Skills:

• Proficiency in office software, MS word, Excel, Outlook, and willingness to learn new systems
• Knowledge of rehabilitation services, speech therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology
• Knowledge of equipment utilized in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of speech pathology.
• Basic knowledge of other rehabilitation disciplines. 
• Basic knowledge of insurance, billing, coding, and healthcare operations

Physical Demands:

• For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description. Near visual & hearing acuity required to perform essential duties of position. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.

Lifting, Pushing, Pulling (Place an “X” in one column for each activity)

Activities level Occasional Frequent Constant Not at All Restricted activity

% of day 1-33 % 33 – 66 % 66 – 100 % 0 %

< 10 lbs. X

11 lbs. – 20 lb. X

21 lbs. – 50 lbs. X

51 lbs. – 75 lbs. X

76 lbs. – 100 lbs. X

100 lbs. + X

Other Physical Activities (Place an “X” in one column for each activity)

Activities level Occasional Frequent Constant Not at All

% of day 1-33 % 33 – 66 % 66 – 100 % 0 %

Bending X

Climbing X

Crawling X

Digging X

Driving car/truck X

Gripping/pinching 

(forceful/repetitive) X

Kneeling X

Operating Heavy Equipment 

(i.e. forklift) X

Reaching Forward X

Reaching Overhead X

Squatting X

Typing/Computer X

Using Heavy Tools (i.e. 

welding) X

Working at heights X

Walking, Sitting, Standing (Please indicate percentage of shift.)

Activities % Per shift

Walking 30%

Sitting 40%

Standing 30%