Job Summary

At Bristol Health, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet ® and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Health your choice.

Under general direction the Speech Pathologist, works in cooperation with other members of the Healthcare team to treat and instruct speech, hearing and language impaired patients of all ages in accordance with physician prescription and Speech Pathology and Audiology diagnostic evaluation. 

Assesses and treats patients to maximize their speech, swallowing and language capabilities.

• Collects data in collaboration with the patient and/or family as demonstrated by documentation on the patient record.
• Performs the initial assessment of all needs during the first visit and documents within 24 hours on the appropriate forms within the medical record. 
• Performs ongoing assessment of needs during each visit and documents data.
• Communicates abnormal findings or problems to physician and supervisor or other appropriate health care professionals within a reasonable timeframe.
• Initiates treatment in consultation with physician using the assessment data according to established guidelines within 24 hours of first visit.
• Establishes Plan of Care with problems, interventions and goals to be achieved during visits in compliance with Speech Pathology Standards.
• Reviews treatment plan at least every 30 days and updates the Plan of Care as the patient’s condition changes within the established Speech Pathology Standards and in compliance with physician orders.
• Plans for safety of self, patient and/or family utilizing standards in the Policy and Procedure Manual.

 
Evaluates effectiveness of care given by self and other healthcare team staff.

• Evaluates the appropriateness of the patient’s response to the Plan of Care by continuation with or the modification of the Plan of Care.
• Recognizes changes in the patient’s physical and mental status and informs physician and other health care professionals in a timely manner.
• Evaluates patient for other health needs and refers to community agencies of change as appropriate.
• Demonstrates commitment to quality patient care by adhering to existing policies and procedures.
• Ensures the availability of needed supplies and equipment for patients in order to provide for cost-effective care.

Coordinates the continuity of the quality of patient care delivered.

• Assures patient record demonstrates continuing communication and coordination of services with all disciplines involved.
• Demonstrates effective time management skills by scheduling and completing daily assignments within projected timeframe.
• Provides written and verbal instruction to patient, family and/or other professionals regarding the patient’s Plan of Care as demonstrated by documentation in the patient’s record.
• Participates in development of Plan of Care as it relates to Speech Therapy in accordance with standards.

Demonstrates commitment to professional growth and competency in fulfilling position requirements.

• Identifies own learning needs by seeking direction to meet those needs as documented on the performance appraisal.
• Completes all mandatory continuing education requirements within the review year and attends all mandatory Hospital initiated training.
• Attends required department meetings and reads all meeting minutes as demonstrated by compliance with announced changes.
• Participates in Clinical Record Review and Quality Assurance projects as appropriate.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently by providing own schedules and prioritizing patient visits.
• Promotes professional image by adhering to the established dress code of the hospital and wearing the name badge as evidenced by supervisor’s observation.

Qualifications

Educational / Minimum Requirements:

Successful completion and graduate from an approved Master’s level School of Speech Pathology. Experience dealing with rehabilitation, gerontology.

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements:

Current Connecticut Licensure as a Speech Pathologist. Must have a valid Driver’s License.

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements:

General orientation at time of hire. Fire/Safety/Infection Control annually. Other programs as mandated by Hospital.

Special Requirements:

Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills. Able to function as an effective member of the Healthcare team utilizing the principles and techniques of client language instruction and of neurological language impairment. Maintains current CPR certification. Able to adequately use, or learn to use, the department’s computerized system and its associated devices.

For Home Care Agency: Must have a car to drive to home visits and a valid Connecticut driver’s license in good standing; $100,000-$300,000 automobile liability insurance.

Physical Requirements:

Provides direct patient care to patients. Moderate amount of stress due to paper work and time constraints

Work Environment:

Shared office space with other professionals. Requires own transportation. Work schedule variable depending on patient need

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.