SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

DUTIES

Provides skilled speech language pathology services to patients in their homes in accordance with the physician's orders and patient's plan of care.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluates the patient's level of functioning and recommends mechanisms to enhance that patient's speech and learning ability. Screening to identify patients who require evaluation to determine the presence or absence of a communicative disorder. Provides initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs. Evaluates and diagnoses speech and language disorders. Establishes a Speech Language Pathology treatment plan in consultation with the physician and revises it with the approval of the physician as necessary. Assists in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan, as it pertains to Speech Language Pathology. Ensures that the physician's orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes. Communicates with other team members and, when appropriate, instructs them in speech language pathologist techniques that they may use while working with the patient. Teaches, supervises, and counsels the family and patient in the total Speech Language Pathology program and other related problems of the patient at home. Evaluates the patient, his/her significant other(s), and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available for the family in caring for the patient, and what other agency and community services will be required. Makes arrangements for out‑patient services for procedures which cannot be given in the home. Documents all evaluation data, treatments, and patient’s response to therapy intervention on a timely basis. Delivers services relative to the treatment of speech and language disorders in accordance with the patient plan of care. Supervises the Home Health Aide per Agency policy when Speech Language Pathology is the only professional discipline involved in the patient’s care. Plans, directs, and conducts rehabilitation programs for patients. Documents and reports to the physician the patient’s reaction to treatment and/or any changes in the patient’s condition. Participates in the development of periodic revisions of the physician's plan of treatment, keeping them informed of the patient status and obtaining additional orders, if necessary. Communicates with the physician per Agency policy or whenever changes occur regarding the patient’s status and obtains additional orders, if necessary. Evaluates the effectiveness of speech language pathologist intervention and updates the patient care plan as needed. Writes clinical/progress notes on the date of the visit and incorporates them in the patient’s record within 72 hours. Assumes responsibility for self‑development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organization meetings, and individual research and reading. Confirms on a weekly basis the scheduling of visits with the Director of Nursing to coordinate the patient’s visit schedule. Participates in Agency activities, case conferences, and meetings, when appropriate. Participates with staff, patients, and physicians in discharge planning activities and completes a Speech Language Pathology Discharge Summary.

ASSISTANCE IN AGENCY ADMISSION PROCESS

Obtains a medical history especially as it relates to the present condition. Evaluates the patient and the home situation to determine what instruction and assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient and what other Agency and community services will be required.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access patients’ homes, which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible, are required. Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient’s condition and to perform patient care. On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move patient weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds. Must be able to effectively communicate, in English.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Speech language Pathology equipment and hand washing materials.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to all patient medical records, which may be discussed with Director of Nursing, the Director, the Executive Director, and the Quality Assurance department staff and government agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Master’s Degree in Speech‑Language Pathology, and who meets either of the following requirements: Is a person licensed or permitted to practice social work under the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985 (HORA). Must meet the education and experience requirements for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech language pathology granted by the American Speech and Hearing Association; or the educational requirements for certification and is in the process of accumulating the supervised experience required for certification. Must have at least one year of institutional/home health experience. Must have a criminal background check. Must have current CPR certification. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kahak DC