SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

Speech Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist (PTE) (SLP) performs evaluations and establishes plans of care for patients based upon age specific considerations and patient/family goals. Evaluations and treatments are provided in various treatment areas within the system. The SLP continually assesses the treatment program and patient's discharge needs, recommending changes to the program as appropriate. The SLP participates actively in work processes, program development to enhance the work environment, and other duties as assigned. Utilizes time efficiently and effectively. Adheres to scheduling and productivity guidelines. Staff schedules require flexibility as they are dependent on patient care needs, which may include weekend and evening hours as necessary, to meet demand in their primary area or the needs across the system. Promotes and attends community outreach events as necessary.

Engages in using the LEAN methodology for process improvement. Participates in daily meetings, use of "Just-do-its" and A3's as appropriate. Develops an awareness and understand of the department objectives on the CI board and participates in collecting data for the board. Participates in LEAN projects as assigned. Follows standard work as set forth for the position. Attends LEAN 101 & other LEAN functions / training as assigned. Documents on the white boards in the patient rooms to improve and aid in interdisciplinary communication and continuity of care (where applicable by location). Understands and upholds the mission, vision and values of the organization. Demonstrates and adhere to the missions, vision, value and Independence Health System Credo in all aspects of position.

Performs clinical responsibilities in a manner that provides effective age- specific patient care while achieving optimal outcomes. Completes evaluations within appropriate time frames per policy. Sets goals with measurable outcomes and appropriate time frames. Recommends discontinuation of treatment when appropriate. Initiates discussions with physician and other medical team members when appropriate to alter therapeutic program. Demonstrates appropriate use of various treatment modalities in patient care.

Adheres to ethical and legal practice standards. Abides by relevant ethical codes and standards of practice guidelines. Abides by State and Federal laws and regulations, including state licensure laws. Reports any concerns to rehab leadership, or compliance line as appropriate. Maintains records that are accurate, concise, timely and legible in accordance with System, IT or Payor policies. Documents therapy care in format and accordance with practice setting on EMR including: evaluations, treatment provided, response to treatment, patient progress, education, family conferences, discharge planning and discharge summary as appropriate. Completes reassessments at appropriate intervals and documents accordingly. Communicates post-discharge needs to appropriate resources. Documents patient care that is consistent with guidelines and requirements of agencies and third party payers.

Educates all patients and families in a manner consistent with their level of understanding and therapeutic needs. Involves patient and family members in establishing a plan of care. Provides patient and family members with educational materials as needed. Documents education and training as well as patient and/or family level of achievement with training provided. Captures maximum revenue for quality services provided while maintaining established standards of care. Utilizes appropriate documentation including CPT and CDM codes to match services provided. Maintains adherence to established efficiency standards. Checking for accuracy in charging based on therapeutic intervention provided prior to signing and finalizing daily documentation. Provides relevant information to insurance provider to insure proper authorization is secured prior to initiation of treatment (when indicated). Assures treatment does not extend beyond last covered date.

Promotes continual performance improvement both within the Rehabilitation department and throughout Independence Health System. Demonstrates individual initiative for performance improvement both within the department and throughout Independence Health System. Actively identifies needs for improvement in the department and system wide and discusses with manager. Collaborates with patients, families, and other health team members to provide excellence in patient care. Communicates regularly with other team members via verbal, written, and/or established electronic communication methods. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings when indicated. Attends all required staff meetings. If absent or unable to attend, reads minutes and signs appropriate sign-in sheets to indicate review of material.

Participates actively in the ongoing development of new therapy programs and in the enhancement of established programs. Attends appropriate internal or external education opportunities to promote growth and expansion of specific programs. Researches appropriate innovative ideas via journal and internet exploration and discusses these with manager leads, and peers. Implements a self-directed plan for professional development. Demonstrates an awareness of strengths and weaknesses and seeks guidance as needed to address limitations. Initiates and participates in continuing education: lectures, video/audio conferences, written and online courses. Develops and conducts in-service as appropriate to share information gained from external resources.

Upholds fiscal and operational responsibility. Utilizes supplies and equipment in a fiscally responsible manner. Maintains adherence to established efficiency standards. Maximizes utilization of non-direct patient care time. Maintains responsibility for reporting accuracy of hours worked. Travel to other entities or sites within the System as patient census dictates, in order to provide quality necessary care where patient need is greatest.

Staff schedules require flexibility as they are dependent on patient care needs, which may include evening and weekend hours, as necessary to meet demand in their primary area or the needs across the System. Participates in supervision of students as appropriate. Other duties as assigned.

Understand and facilitate obtaining authorizations in conjunction with revenue specialist. Knowledge & compliance with documentation of G codes as mandated by insurance. Understanding & working knowledge of insurances and their documentation, authorization and billing framework and requirements. Communicates to lead/leadership any changes or volume in census that will impact daily productivity of the clinic.

Completion of a Graduate Level Program in Speech Pathology accredited by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment. Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience. Strong time management; ability to work independently and in a team setting; creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics; ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings; flexibility in scheduling. Proficient oral and written communication skills. Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.

Clinical experience as a Speech Language Pathologist to include experience performing and interpreting modified barium swallow tests. 1-3 years' experience in healthcare setting. SLP-D. Current PA State Licensure. American Speech Language and Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology with current ASHA card; or employee may be in the Clinical Fellowship Year through ASHA and be licensure eligible. If CFY eligible, must obtain CCC's within two years of hire. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program. Act 33 with renewal. Act 34 with renewal. Act 73 FBI Clearance.

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department. Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.). Travel may be expected locally between Independence Health System locations. Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one's own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Independence Health System's missions, vision and values.

Independence Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Independence Health System to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Independence Health System will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines