JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) position is responsible for assessing patients and developing the therapy plan of care. This position provides education to patients, patient’s family members, and/or caregivers and collaborates with other health care professionals as needed for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals. As a member of the interprofessional care team providing direct patient care, the SLP position has responsibility to deliver exceptional patient care with adherence to safety standards and guidelines to ensure optimal patient safety, customer service, and optimum patient outcomes.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 20%

1. Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Seeks guidance from others and collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. (EF)
2. Uses therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to establish a relationship with patients, families and interprofessional health care team to collaborate on the plan of care. (EF)
3. Serves as resource to co-workers and may assist in teaching and providing guidance to students and support staff. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability. (EF)

SERVICE - 25%

1. Performs complete and comprehensive evaluation of patients to identify patient’s level of function and to determine the treatment plan. Develops the plan of care based on evaluation findings and implements the speech therapy treatment plan. Practices in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity and inclusion principles. (EF)
2. Provides education to patients, patient’s family members, and/or caregivers, based on learning needs. Consistently evaluates the patient’s comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly. (EF)
3. Collaborates and communicates with the healthcare team modifications to patient’s treatment plan, progress, and discharge planning for achievement of identified patient specific goals. Advocates on patient/family’s behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns, utilizing appropriate resources. (EF)
4. Contributes towards improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 25%

1. Assesses patients regularly, monitors progress towards treatment goals, modifies goals, and plan or program as indicated. Recognizes complications/limitations associated with certain procedures and collaborates with peers to address for optimum outcomes. (EF)
2. Provides input of speech-related activities completed by interprofessional health care team, and if necessary, adjusts the plan to improve quality of outcome and maintain the safety of the patient. (EF)
3. Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement. Identifies areas of practice improvements with research-based evidence to achieve patient safety outcomes, supported by accurate documentation. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%

1. Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient education procedures performed in a timely manner in the patient record. Enters accurate charges for services provided as applicable. (EF)
2. Uses resources efficiently to maximize utilization of time and equipment. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed. Meets labor productivity standards by effectively managing established patient load assignments. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 15%

1. Offers innovative solutions through evidence-based practice/performance improvement projects. Actively participates in department projects and hospital committees. (EF)
2. Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement in patient care or unit operations using evidence-based practice literature. (EF)
3. Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Speech Language Pathologist, taking appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o None