PEDIATRIC SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Job Description Summary

The Outpatient Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for the evaluation and treatment of pediatric patients with a variety of pediatric communication disorders within a hospital-based outpatient setting. The Speech-Language Pathologist works to achieve established goals and objectives and to ensure the provision of optimal, family-centered patient care services.

Job Description

Essential Functions

1) Patient Care
a) Provides appropriate and comprehensive evaluations, re-evaluations and treatments through discharge, in accordance with established departmental and discipline specific standards of care and practice and within insurance parameters as required
b) Evaluates, plans, directs and implements patient care using evidence-based practice
c) Practices within the legal boundaries of Massachusetts license and other professional and governmental agencies
d) Provides appropriate direction to licensed staff working under their plans of care
e) Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel as required, such as Rehab aides and volunteers. Delegates duties to other staff appropriately understanding their role, knowledge and capability
f) Follows the organization’s infection control standards
g) Maintains patient safety practices throughout all instances of patient care
h) Identifies impairments that reflect an accurate assessment of the patient’s status
i) Establishes goals in collaboration with the patient and family that are realistic, measurable and functional
j) Develops an appropriate plan of care based on evaluation findings that include rehab potential and prognosis as well as frequency and duration of follow up care
k) Implements appropriate treatment interventions based on established goals
l) Provides initial and ongoing patient education and/or home exercise program as necessary
m) Interacts with patients and family in a compassionate manner, demonstrating confidence, empathy, sensitivity and patience.
n) Discharges patient from service when skilled therapy is no longer appropriate 
o) Supports South Shore Health and department mission, vision and values
p) Adheres to South Shore Health policies and procedures 

2) Documentation/Billing
a) Follows department standards for completing all documentation, discharge and charge entry 
b) Writes clear and complete documentation that reflects the patient’s current status and ongoing needs
c) Adheres to all South Shore Health and department guidelines and standards for documentation regarding timeliness, accuracy and completeness
d) Takes responsibility to provide accurate information during handoff
e) Accurately performs all aspects of charging
i) Entering charges that reflect the documented treatment provided
ii) Application of appropriate modifiers
iii) Charge correction
iv) Co-treatment and concurrent/group treatment sessions

3) Productivity
a) Strives to meet productivity standard for primary area(s)

4) Technology
a) Possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization
b) Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently 
c) Accurately uses all software applications as needed for job performance

5) Communication
a) Communicates effectively with staff, peers, colleagues, patients and family members in all manners of communication (written, verbal, non-verbal)
b) Appropriately uses all forms of South Shore Health communication in accordance with standard practices
c) Responds in a timely manner when feedback is requested

6) Professional Development
a) Assumes responsibility for maintaining ongoing professional development
b) Embraces change in clinical practice based on evolving advances in evidence
c) Demonstrates willingness to provide supervision of clinical students
d) Demonstrates awareness of performance initiatives and incorporates them into practice
e) Establishes and strives to achieve annual goals
f) Takes advantage of learning opportunities for professional growth such as attending in-services, conferences, and/or reading professional articles 

7) Professional Behaviors
a) Maintain a professional and appropriate manner of conversation
b) Maintain composure during stressful situations
c) Complete clinical and non-clinical tasks as well as assigned activities according to policies, practice guidelines and assigned deadlines
d) Utilize critical thinking and problem solving in day-to-day operations as well as in emergent situations
e) Communicates appropriately and effectively following chain of command
f) Demonstrates dependability and flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the department

Non-Essential Functions
1) Demonstrates willingness to identify and/or assume activities relative to the developmental needs of the Health System or department
2) Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Education - Required

MS in Speech Language Pathology from accredited school required

Minimum Work Experience

Previous clinical experience/rehabilitation experience preferred.

Required Licenses / Registrations

SLP - Speech Language Pathologist

Maintain active license to practice Speech Therapy in Massachusetts

Required Certifications

Maintain active Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology in Massachusetts