Speech Pathologist

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Responsible for providing speech, language and oral motor/feeding diagnostic and therapy services in accordance with state and federal regulations and standards of practice as set forth by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).

REPORTS TO

• Manager of home department and Director of Rehabilitation Services

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: Masters required.

Degree: Degree in Speech Pathology required.

License/Certification Required: Eligible for State of Tennessee licensure. Either Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology or eligible for Clinical Fellowship (CF).

Minimum Work Experience: Practicum or previous work experience with pediatrics preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong diagnostic and therapy skills.
• Knowledge of typical and atypical development of all aspects of communication and feeding.
• Computer skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Completes evaluations of assigned patients in accordance with the established standards of care and practice: Independently performs consultations/evaluations on patients according to best practices and departmental standards, Identifies needs and strengths that reflect an accurate assessment of the patient’s status, per documentation, Completes comprehensive assessment based on provider’s order, patient’s medical and developmental status, Completes reassessment for patients whose care is ongoing, Makes appropriate decisions regarding care based on patient readiness and ability to participate, Assists other therapists via case review, demonstration, and mentoring to enhance assessment skills in area of expertise, Suggests adding new standardized measure and outcome tools as they become available and have applicability to patient population.
• Develops a Plan of Care to promote optimum function and safety as documented in the clinical record: Partners with patients and caregivers to establish goals for Plan of Care based on an episodic care model, Establishes interventions and specific measurable outcomes that are consistent with identified needs and strengths, Identifies goals, outcomes and timeframes that are realistic, measurable and address functional needs and strengths, Assists other therapists to design and implement episodes of care in collaboration with the patient/family, Modifies and updates the plan of care based on patient progress and caregiver input, Supports modifications to the plan or care with documentation of clinical decision-making in reports, notes and progress summaries.
• Provides skilled therapy, reassessing patient status during each session ensuring quality of care: Selects and performs therapeutic techniques that are appropriate to patient’s needs and medical status, reflecting therapist’s clinical knowledge and theory. Provides patient/caregiver education regarding treatment, precautions and equipment use and documents patient/caregiver understanding/demonstration provided. Plans discharge at evaluation and throughout the course of treatment based on patient response, caregiver goals, participation and progress. Prepares the patient and family for episodic transition and discharge from therapy and provides education to determine if/when follow-up therapy services are indicated. Develops/revises competencies and plans that utilize current therapy standards of care for a variety of patient conditions and populations and family-centered planning and informed decision making. Identifies new/revised treatment tools and approaches and assists in implementation when appropriate. Independently manages own patient schedule with efficiency and timeliness. Manages unforeseen events with confidence and professionalism.
• Completes all documentation of services per department standards: Independently writes clear, concise, relevant and inclusive documentation that facilitates communication of the patient’s status and ongoing needs. Therapist adheres to all procedures and documentation standards per Rehabilitation standard operating procedures. Submits accurate and complete charges for each day and reconciles charges with provider billing report daily. Completes communication information tools (i.e. spreadsheets, data collection forms, documentation self-assessments and peer reviews within established timelines.
• Coordinates patient care with other clinical team members ensuring optimal patient care and communication as noted in the clinical record: Identifies the need for and makes referrals to other disciplines following established criteria. Exhibits knowledge about care provided by other disciplines and communicates effectively with patient, family and team members to reach optimum patient outcomes while remaining in scope of practice. Completes accurate documentation and communicates recommendations to providers and outside agencies with effective use of correspondence reports per standard operating procedures.
• Complies with established patient attendance, progress and caregiver participation policies: Educates caregivers on the attendance expectations, including sick and cancellation policies, at the initiation of services and reviews as needed. Educates caregivers on the components of an episodic care model and progress requirements at the initiation of services and reviews as needed. Educates caregivers on expectations of active participation in treatment sessions and carryover into the home environment at the initiation of services and reviews as needed. Modifies plans of care, frequency and duration, and discharge plans when expectations are not met.
• Meets all competencies for work specific assignments evidenced by successful completion of area specific competency checklist(s).
• Promotes and maintains professional relationships with other departments.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
• Is sensitive to the needs, feelings and capabilities of others. Approaches others in a non-threatening way and pleasant manner and treats them with respect.
• Proactively seeks performance feedback and identifies approaches to improve performance.
• Promotes and maintains effective communication: Responds timely to messages from providers, other departments, caregivers, and other internal and external customers. Checks and responds to email and voicemail at the beginning and end of each workday at a minimum. Answers staff phone while in staff areas. Addresses conflicts in a timely and professional manner. Communicates upward, keeping manager informed of pertinent issues and concerns. Assesses situations and implements most appropriate communication style, (i.e. guiding, directing, following) per Motivational Interviewing strategies. Communicates politely and respectfully, promoting collaborative relationships. Expresses alternate points of view in a non-threatening way. Knows when it’s appropriate to compromise and when it is important to take a stand.
• Assumes responsibility for own growth and development. Assists others with training education, growth and development: Maintains and enhances clinical knowledge and skills. Pursues alternative continuing education opportunities. Attends all in-service education when scheduled to work. Keeps current with departmental issues and operations.
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intra-departmentally to facilitate the department’s/unit ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Participates in providing an environment conducive to learning for students from the professional schools utilizing the rehabilitation departments for clinical experience.
• Works on projects as part of a team, exchanging ideas and contributing skills that complement those of other team members. Fulfills commitments to team members. Exhibits innovative thinking. Looks for ways to improve effectiveness by implementing new ideas and more efficient approaches.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably. Demonstrates accurate use of KRONOS time tracking system. Meets staff attendance standards and maintains personal records of unexpected occurrences. Submits accurate patient charges daily. Reconciles charges with billing report and attended appointments in CWS daily. Meets departmental productivity requirements as indicated by annually established criteria.
• Shows initiative to actively maintain and increase caseload by offering make-up visits and rescheduling appointments, offering alternate methods when applicable (i.e. telehealth). Independently manages patient care/non-patient care time constructively. Uses time productively in direct and in-direct patient care, department contributions, and assisting team members. Independently manages patient scheduling with efficiency and timeliness.
• Mentors and assists others in timely completion of administrative and procedural documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this