Speech Language Pathologist

Statement of Purpose:

Supervises all speech pathology clinical activities and all non-certified personnel providing services, including support personnel and speech pathology students and clinical practicum.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Outlines and directs a specific program for the clinical management of each patient assigned to support personnel.

1. Makes a decision regarding diagnosis, management and disposition that do not require physician judgement and are consistent with the referring practitioner's plan of care.
2. Establishes and maintains individual case records for each patient and the significant information to become part of the patient's medical record.
3. Report at stated intervals to administrative professional's superior on patient care activities.
4. Participate with hospital wide and departmental QM programs. Responsible for looking at any opportunity for improvement in patient care and communicating it to departmental teams.
5. The speech pathologist should be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his/her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life-span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirements relative to his/her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the rehab area department's policies and procedures.

1. Continuously involved in professional growth and development. Examples of this include, but are not limited to current reading of literature, periodicals, etc. and service attendance in professional organization involvement.
2. When Staffing needs dictate, may work an alternate schedule.

DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIORS

1. Demonstrates and exemplifies Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior by:

a) Considering first the well-being of the patient.

b) Conducting all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, healthcare providers or any other individuals in a courteous, honest and respectful manner.

c) Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior at all times.

d) Refraining from conduct that may reasonably be considered offensive to others or disruptive to the workplace or patient care. Offensive conduct may be written, oral or behavioral.

1. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education and inservice programs. Meets mandatory inservice requirements.
2. Arrives for work on time and as scheduled.
3. Is knowledgeable and practices safely using infection control, universal precaution and safety protocols. Uses appropriate universal precautions, infection control practices, along with proper lifting and transfer techniques to promote patient and employee safety.
4. Is knowledgeable and complies with hospital policies and procedures.
5. May assist in the promotion of our institution and profession by participation in hospital promotion and health fair activities.
6. Performs other duties as requested within the scope of applicable licensure, abilities and policies.
7. All employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service through words and actions that support our commitment to caring and quality
8. All employees are responsible for creating a culture of employee and patient safety and for ensuring the highest quality of care for patients throughout Jones Memorial Hospital.

EDUCATION : Meets the requirements for the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) or its equivalent. Holds current licensure or equivalent, as applicable. BLS/CPR preferred

EXPERIENCE : Two years clinical experience preferred.

CONTACTS : Frequent contact with patient and their families, department personnel, hospital personnel, and physicians.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : Sits, stands and walks most of the day in a variety of settings.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Normal, may be required to use isolation technique.