Speech Therapist

SUMMARY:

Working under the supervision of the Rehab Director, the Speech Therapist is responsible for the administration and direct application of Speech/Language Pathology treatment modalities as prescribed by the referring physician. The speech therapist will also perform other related duties as directed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates, plans, directs and treats all patients referred to speech/language. 
• Provides pathology treatments to restore function and prevent disability following disease or injury.
• Assists patients to obtain maximum performance and function in society while learning to live a routine “normal” life within the constraints of their disability. 
• Participates in performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. 
• Assures personal competency. 
• Provides information related to departmental budget considerations in relationship to Speech Pathology needs for optimum patient care and service. 
• Assists in scheduling of patient visits for speech pathology evaluation and treatment.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Reflects the hospital’s philosophy of excellence and professionalism while directly performing the job and at all times when representing the department or hospital.
• Adheres to all applicable aspects of the hospital’s various policy and procedure manuals.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff and administrative team.
• Works effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Interacts effectively with supervisors and peers in building a cohesive work group. Develops and maintains sound working relationships with others at various levels of the organization.
• Consistent and concise lines of authority and responsibility are maintained.
• Maintains confidentiality of patients, staff and department information at all times.
• Takes care of the patient’s and family’s needs while following hospital procedures. Interacts professionally and empathetically with them.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health errors.
• Ensures that patient’s rights to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage a complaint are well established and maintained at all times.
• Keeps abreast of the economic condition/situation and makes adjustments as directed/necessary to assure the continued ability to provide quality patient care.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual need of patients and their families.
• Adheres to safety guidelines and reports hazards or accidents/illnesses immediately to supervisor.
• Minimizes waste of supplies, misuse of equipment and reports any knowledge thereof to supervisor.
• Functions in an organized manner and plans work assignments to effectively use time.
• Attends all mandatory training and educational programs to maintain necessary competency including but not limited to licensure and/or certification.
• Responds objectively and positively to changes occurring in the hospital and health care.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as necessary or as directed by the supervisor or Hospital Administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of speech pathology.
• Evaluate patient’s response to treatments in a timely and professional manner.
• Instruct patient and family in treatment plan and expected outcome.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality in communications.
• Knowledgeable about policies and procedures regarding reporting and release of protected health information (PHI).

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Holds a masters degree from an approved college or school of speech/pathology.
• Current state licensure in speech pathology.
• 1 year experience in related field, preferred 

LANGUAGE/READING SKILLS:

• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.  

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Must have mathematical ability and be able to think and reason logically.

REASONING ABILITY: Employee responds to unusual or varied situations that are not covered by existing standards, procedures and precedents. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, ascend and descend stairs, possess ability to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms. 

Employee must frequently be able to lift 25 pounds from the floor to waist level. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to clearly focus vision.