Speech Language Pathologist

Description

Job Summary:

The Speech Language Pathologist, “Speech Therapist” is responsible for providing high quality patient care, displaying good skills in assessment, treating speech, communication, and swallowing disorders, helps rehabilitate those who have experienced physical or psychological trauma. Performs patient assessments, develops individual treatment plans, liaising with teachers, family members, and other healthcare professionals. Administers therapy and monitoring progress and ensures patients and their families are informed of new treatments and therapy techniques. Able to work with patients from different backgrounds. Additionally, he/she is responsible for functioning well as a member of the multidisciplinary team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory responsibilites

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described 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.

Works inside under normal temperature conditions with adequate light, in a well ventilated, clean area; some areas are limited in space; usually works around others; must expect some moderate noise.

1. No unusual hazard risks; may be exposed to muscular strain in supporting, lifting and assisting patients.
2. Conditions of work may involve exposure to communicable diseases and on-the-job injuries.

This position has an OSHA Category I level of exposure to blood and body substances. Category I tasks are all procedures or other job-related tasks involving an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or body tissues or a potential for spills or splashes with blood, body fluids or tissues. Use of appropriate protective measures is required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Promptly attends work as scheduled and completes position responsibilities by following established guidelines & protocols within the appropriate time frame.
• Maintains confidentiality of the patient’s medical condition, personal problems, and medical record.  
• Shows initiative in completing job responsibilities.
• Is neat, clean, and dressed according to the Dress Code Policy.
• Works cooperatively and respectfully with other personnel, showing a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Demonstrates good skills in all forms of communication.
• Approaches the patient/significant other/visitor with a consistent respectful and concerned attitude, always striving for excellent customer service.
• Maintains education, credentials, and development appropriate for position.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and neat work area.
• Supports the hospital mission and values – Standards of Performance and adheres to established hospital and departmental guidelines and protocols.
• Supports the hospital and helps to maintain the highest quality healthcare and strives to meet regulatory guidelines.
• Completes Annual Review Requirements – TB Skin Test or appropriate forms, Annual Review On-Line.
• Assessing, diagnosing, screening, and preventing language, speech, and swallowing disorders.
• Communicating with the patient, and liaising with their family members, physicians, and teachers to design effective treatment plans.
• Using tried and tested therapies in combination with new, innovative techniques to provide the best care.
• Keeping up to date with advancements in the field.
• Educating patients and their families on speech disorders and available therapies.
• Taking detailed notes on patient history and progress.
• Evaluating patient progress and implementing changes to therapy programs as required. 

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Interpersonal skills- including customer relations, grammar, reading, and organizational skills
• Sound understanding of speech-related disorders and treatments.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.
• Resourceful and strong problem-solving skills.
• Able to make decisions under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and manage stress, anger, potential violence of others appropriately

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree and/or relevant license or certification in Speech-language Pathology.        
• 1-3 years’ experience preferred.
• CPR/BLS certification

Physical Requirements:

• Physical requirements: Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, lift, balance, sit, kneel, hear, reach, pull, talk, see, turn, carry, push, handle and write. The degree to which any of these is done depends on the job.