Speech Language Pathologist-Per Diem-Shift

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, provide services including evaluation, diagnosis, goal setting, treatment planning, individual therapy, and family/patient education and training in order to enhance speech-language proficiency and communication effectiveness; perform related duties as required.

 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class are characterized by the responsibility to diagnosis speech/hearing disorders and provide therapy and education in treatment of the disorders

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform assessment management of dysphagia including bedside swallowing evaluation, modified barium swallow study; assign appropriate diet levels to avoid aspiration.
• Conduct and document a thorough assessment of the patient to determine and diagnose communicative deficits and equipment needs.
• Develop and implement an individualized treatment program based on the initial evaluation and containing achievable functional goals.
• Instruct ancillary staff in appropriate procedures and provide supervision in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Chart processes in a clear and concise manner using prescribed format.
• Assess and revise treatment plans accordingly.
• Orient patients to program services and treatment procedures appropriate to their needs. Inform patients of any potential risk during procedure.
• Work with nursing staff, patient and families to maximize patient’s use of functional abilities.
• Instruct patients and family/other caregiver about therapeutic procedures to be continued by the patient at home following discharge.
• Assist in the referral process when a patient requires additional services following discharge. Maintain current knowledge of community resources.
• Attend and participate in rehabilitation team conferences regarding patient progress, problems or needs.
• Attend and participate in other department/facility meetings, as required.
• Access continuing education opportunities appropriate to discipline and responsibilities in order to maintain clinical currency.
• Participate in and/or provide in-service education sessions.
• Participate in the quality improvement process by responding appropriately to results of medical record audit, patient satisfaction surveys, safety activities and regulatory requirements.
• Promote the programs and services of the organization through formal and informal interactions with the community.
• Act in compliance with organization, regulatory and professional standards and guidelines.
• Adhere to facility policies and procedures and participate in facility quality improvement and safety programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required to provide quality care to patients.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

• Current licensure as a Speech Pathologist issued by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board;
• Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 30 days of employment. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency.
• Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical
• Other unit specific certification may be required.

Knowledge of:

• Current principles, methods, techniques, equipment and materials used in speech therapy;
• Possible reactions of and hazards to patients during treatment, and of precautionary and remedial measure;
• Anatomy and physiology related to treatment and physiological problems of persons with disabling conditions.

Ability to:

• Organize and implement speech therapy treatment programs;
• Conduct individual and group treatment programs;
• Interpret and adapt physician’s orders and/or written reports;
• Communicate effectively; work independently; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with patients, families, staff and others;
• Maintain excellent customer relations;
• Perform essential physical/mental requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, including but not limited to: sitting for long periods, demonstrate good vision, color perception, hearing and articulation, and demonstrate good decision making and concentration skills.

Supplemental:

Dependent upon assignment, applicants may be required to pass an extensive background investigation, and be fingerprinted. Disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers” through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2 - Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services.) As Disaster Service Workers, all county employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.