Speech-Language Pathologist

Job Title: Speech-Language Pathologist

Department: Speech Therapy

Reports To: Therapy Supervisor

Job Summary

The Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for providing patient care necessary to assure that provision of quality care speech therapy is carried out in a productive manner and to contribute to the goals and objectives of Hamilton Medical Center. Administers speech therapy with emphasis on geriatrics. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and competency skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development and assess data reflective of the patient's current status in relation to their age specific needs.

Job Qualifications

Education: Graduate of an accredited college of Speech Therapy as evidenced by primary source of verification.

Licensure: Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in the State of Georgia or eligible for license.

Experience: Five (5) years or more preferred.

Skills: American Heart Association BLS preferred. Ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of the patient's needs, and being appropriate for age group of patient served. Vast knowledge of therapy skills.

Environmental and Working Conditions

Works a flexible schedule to accommodate patients and physicians. Weekend and holiday rotation. Accurate and timely submission of paperwork is required, meeting documentation requirements, as well as exceptional organizational skills. Requires some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

Physical and Mental Effort

Required to display characteristics consistent with accomplishing the needs of the patient and completion of required documentation. On occasion it may be taxing mentally depending on patient and patient family needs.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care appropriate to adult and geriatric patients.

Possesses knowledge of growth and development (physical, cognitive and psychosocial.)

Interacts appropriately according to developmental stage.

Assesses age specific data.

Interprets age specific data.

Utilizes age appropriate communication skills.

Involves patient/family in plan of care.

Possesses/uses knowledge and skills to perform specific treatments.

Performs thorough and complete evaluation for patients upon receipt of MD referral.

Verifies physician order according to Departmental policy prior to initiating evaluation.

Demonstrates consistent ability to select appropriate evaluation procedures to identify specific patient populations.

Conducts evaluation in a timely and appropriate manner.

Demonstrates consistent ability to interpret evaluation results and develop treatment plan.

Documents evaluation and treatment plan according to Departmental policy.

Communicates with Therapy Supervisor per protocol to ensure that proper procedures and orders are carried out, as well as ensure that coordination of care is accomplished.

Administers speech therapy treatment to patients according to Department standard operating procedures in order to maximize their potential physical functioning.

Acquires and maintains the skills necessary to perform treatment in NICU and acute care setting.

Treats patients of all age populations as per treatment plan, goals and time frame in accordance with established Departmental policy.

Evaluates patient response to treatment and modifies treatment plan if needed.

Documents ongoing treatment according to Department policy.

Provides for patient safety at all times, as per Department policy.

Evaluates patient's readiness for treatment based on established treatment goals indicated in documentation.

Evaluates patient treatment needs and pursues follow-up program (referrals, home exercise, etc.) as documented in the summary.

Maintains and completes accurate documentation, Department records, and reports.

Maintains and completes accurate written patient care records in a timely manner in compliance with JCAHO and Department policy.

Records all patient charges accurately before the end of each day.

Provides informal interdepartmental reporting to insure the continuity of patient care.

Completes any special documentation established for P.I. purposes in requested time frame.

Ensure effective communication processes regarding acute care clinical staff.

Maintains continuous effective communication among acute care staff including exchange of professional information as documented by participation in staff meetings and daily interpersonal communication to ensure continuity of care.

Maintains effective communication with physicians by routinely providing written progress summaries and discharge summaries as indicated.

Consults with physician to clarify referrals, discuss patient response to treatment modification.

Maintains continuous effective interdepartmental communication by participation in discharge planning and coordination of patient care with Nursing, Therapy and other team members.

Communicates treatment plan and goals clearly to patient and/or family as indicated in progress notes.

Teaches patient and/or family to perform or assist with selected activities and documents patient/family response.

Contributes to the efficient and productive operation of the acute care department.

Notifies designated person of need for supply reordering.

Assists in maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

Demonstrates knowledge of codes and appropriate actions by participating in staff meetings and drills.

Participates in PI monitoring and studies as requested.

Completes other duties as assigned.

Orients new personnel as requested according to Department policy.

Contributes to the daily management of patient care.

Demonstrates effective time management skills by completing daily patient assignments as directed.

Demonstrates ability to organize patient care and set appropriate priorities by effective scheduling.

Administers patient care by appropriate use of supportive personnel in carrying out treatment program.

Assists with other daily needs as determined by Therapy Supervisor.

Maintains commitment to professional growth and competency.

Identifies own learning needs by seeking colleagues input for unfamiliar or unusual procedures or cases.

Maintains professional skill level as documented by attendance at professional seminars and Departmental in-services as assigned by Supervisor.

Reviews current literature in the field as demonstrated by contributing this to staff in-services or conferences.

Provides in-services to staff on areas of professional expertise, seminars attended and other topics as requested.

Provides interdepartmental in-services as requested.

Instructs students and volunteers as appropriate to their educational level as requested according to Department policy.

Participates in community education programs as requested by participating in at least 3 of the following annually:

Formal continuing education.

HMC Committee presentation.

Community education program.

New program development.

Health support group.

Policy development.

P.I.

Student supervision.

Staff education.

In-service presentation.

Completes special projects/program development as deemed appropriate by Supervisor/ Director acute care therapy.

Operates and maintains equipment and environment in a safe and orderly manner.

Acquires and maintains skills necessary to use equipment properly according to Department policy.

Notifies Therapy Supervisor of any patient or equipment concerns. Calls CE Services or Maintenance and documents the call as needed.

Utilizes equipment according to safety standards for each equipment type and according to established policy as demonstrated by no reported incidents.

Utilizes good body mechanics in the operation of equipment as indicated by no reported incidents.

Returns equipment to proper storage area in good working order with no more than 1 valid complaint by coworker.

Carries out measures to assure appearance of working area is monitored including replacing items and supplies for proper storage area at end of the day and reporting any maintenance needs.

Promotes the Hamilton Medical Center philosophy to ensure quality of care.

Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality at all times according to established procedures.

Provides positive, supportive communication to patients, families, visitors, and medical center personnel.

Collaborates with other departments of the medical center and outside agencies to meet the identified needs of the patient.

Answers telephone in a courteous manner, identifying self and Department at all times.

Assists Medical Center visitors with information or directions whenever requested or the visitor appears in need of help.

Introduces self and position to patient, families and visitors at all times.

Puts patient and/or family at ease by explaining procedure prior to initiating any procedure.

Assesses environment for safety hazards, which