Speech Therapist PRN

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides diagnosis and treatment to individuals with speech language, voice or swallowing disorders and trains about speech pathology to staff and other health care providers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an approved program for speech therapy with a Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association or certified eligible within one year of hire
• Licensed in State of Nebraska in speech pathology
• Experience in a hospital setting providing speech pathology services
• Ability to perform modified barium swallow studies
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide
• Ability to generate, read, interpret, and take action as it relates to basic financial statements, national and state regulations, safety rulings, operational and maintenance and organizational policies / procedures
• Ability to write reports and correspondence
• Ability to effectively present information to patients, families, employees, health care providers, etc...
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively to maintain good working relationships with staff and health care providers
• Ability to work with skill in identifying problems; making frequent decisions regarding method of performance

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MATERIALS:

• Calculator
• Computer and printer
• Fax and copy machine
• General office materials/supplies
• Information Systems
• Telephone system
• All Patient Care Equipment
  • IV pumps, lifts, beds, monitors, computers, glucometers, oximeters, pneumatics, CPM, etc

SECURITY/ACCESS:

• Will have access to the facility 24 hours a day.
• Will have access to confidential information abiding by the organizations privacy policies and regulations concerning this information.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Completes diagnosis and treats individuals with communication or swallowing disorders. 

• Uses written and oral tests, as well as special instruments, to diagnose the nature and extent of impairment and to record and analyze speech, language, and swallowing irregularities.
• Develops an individualized plan of care tailored to each patient's needs.
• Selects augmentative or alternative communication methods, including automated devices and sign language, and teach their use to individuals with little or no speech capability.
• Teaches those with little or no speech capability how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively.
• Helps patients who have suffered loss of speech develop, or recover, reliable communication skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles.
• Teaches the use of automated devices and sign language.

2. Counsels individuals and their families concerning communication disorders and how to cope with the stress and misunderstanding that accompanies them.

• Works with family members to recognize and change behavior patterns.
• Interacts with other health care providers involved in the treatment of individuals seen for speech therapy services.
• Interacts with family members and other individuals who are receiving speech therapy services.

3. Maintains complete and accurate records pertinent to patient initial evaluation, progress and discharge and ensures proper documentation and to be in regulatory compliance.

• Attends and participates in family conferences, patient care conferences, medical rounds and as required by areas of services to establish goals, formulate discharge summaries and follow-up plans, including home programs.
• Participates in setting and meeting departmental goals by participation in performance improvement projects, on-going program planning and implementation.

4. Follows HIPAA regulations and ensures that the confidentiality of patients medical, personal, financial records, employee records, and organizational records is maintained.

5. Participates in FCH committees, quality assurance, performance and quality improvement initiatives, and activities which support the facility and department operations.

6. Complies with the state and federal regulatory requirements related to the performance of FCH operations and requirements of the FCH Compliance Program. Including but not limited to:

• The Compliance Policy.
• Completes all mandatory on-line training annually and as assigned.
• All department and organization-wide policies.
• Considers the impact of regulations such as Critical Access Hospital requirements, along with Federal and State of Nebraska regulations and discusses concerns appropriately to ensure compliance.

7. Presents self in a professional manner and enhances professional growth and development through participation in education programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.

• Seeks opportunities for continued growth and performance improvement.
• Always maintains a professional appearance and manner.
• Dependable and completes work in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates an understanding and emphasis on quantity, quality and knowledge of duties and tasks.

8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Standards of Service Excellence:

1. Abides by Fillmore County Hospitals Standards of Professional Courtesy and Respect which include:
   • Communication & Interaction
   • Customer Service & Respect
   • Teamwork
   • Telephone Communication
   • Safety, Pride &Ownership
   • Professional Appearance
2. Abides by Fillmore County Hospitals Core Values 1-12 which include:
   • Authenticity
   • Integrity
   • Awareness
   • Courage
   • Perseverance
   • Faith
   • Purpose
   • Vision
   • Focus
   • Enthusiasm
   • Service
   • Leadership

ESSENTIAL WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.