SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

Speech Pathologist

Expected pay for this position is $34.80-$52.20. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity.

Job Summary: Diagnosis disorders and provides therapy for clients/patients who demonstrate disorders of communication and/or dysphagia through assessment of speech, language, and swallowing skills related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors. Habilitative or rehabilitative treatment programs are planned, directed, or conducted to restore or improve communicative efficiency of children or adults with communication programs of organic or non-organic etiology. Provides consultation services to educational, medical, and other professional health associated groups. Services are provided in the MDH inpatient and outpatient settings, area nursing homes, and MDH Skilled Nursing Facility.

Job Specifications

Education and Experience: The Speech Pathologist must hold a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology or Communicative Disorders. Membership with the A.S.H.A is desired but is not mandatory. The Speech Pathologist must also hold an Illinois license in Speech/Language Pathology or be in the process of meeting experience for it. Previous experience is not required. Must possess excellent problem-solving skills and analytic ability to appropriately diagnose clients problems and develop rehabilitation plans. Current CPR certification is required.

Job Knowledge: Knowledge of hospital and Home Care in general and how Speech Pathology inter-relates with other rehabilitation department of the hospital as well as with nursing staff and physician. The patient population must be considered when assessing job knowledge required from the employee.

Abilities, Interests and Temperaments: A preference for working with people when diagnosing and treatment speech impairments. A preference for technical activities in use of testing and therapeutic equipment to determine extent of impairment and make recommendations for therapy. Ability to communicate with patients in establishing a favorable attitude and motivating them to desired cooperation and effort in rehabilitative program. Must successfully complete departmental specific orientation(s) and ongoing hospital-wide CBLs (Computerized Based Learning), participate in departmental inservices and demonstrate competency by completing departmental specific competency testing/evaluation program. Must have the ability to work with a variety of patients of all populations (e.g. developmentally appropriate care, cultural diversity, patients with pain, victims of abuse or neglect, and diagnosis or procedure specific such as patient with congestive heart failure or cesarean delivery).