Speech Language Pathologist

Required Experience:

SLP student clinical practicums

Required Education:

Masters or Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology; Iowa Speech-Language Pathologist Licensure

Position Summary:

Plans and implements specific treatment programs for individual patients according to the principles and practices of speech-language pathology. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to best meet patient needs.

Essential Function:

• Follows established departmental procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, environmental and infection control standards and hospital policies including compliance policies.
• Ensures accurate and timely completion of patient’s therapy documentation and that patient records are treated as protected health information. Adheres to the policies and procedures regarding HIPAA guidelines.
• Perform initial and ongoing speech-language pathology evaluations according to ASHA standards of practice as well as state standards.
• Develop Plan of Treatment for each patient based on initial and ongoing evaluations including patient goals, collaboration demands of other staff members, and required patient and caregiver involvement.
• Implement Plan of Treatment on a consistent schedule and adjust this schedule and plan according to patient progress.
• Document patient progress according to approved medical documentation and facility documentation procedures.
• Evaluate communication, cognitive, swallowing and current level of patient function, while setting goals to improve in these areas that are scaled to patient abilities and realistically attainable.
• Report patient progress to patient, approved patient caregivers and family members, facility staff and healthcare professionals involved in ongoing treatment/care of patients.
• Develop a plan for patients following completion of their Plan of Treatment with appropriate in-home care services.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications, etc.
• Assist other facility staff members as needed to provide care and create a clean, orderly and effective environment for rehabilitation and speech-language pathology.
• Adapts speech-language pathology interventions to meet the needs of patients from a variety of abilities, backgrounds and ages.
• Conducts or participates in training staff in speech-language pathology techniques and procedures as appropriate.
• Assists with the scheduling of patients.
• Collaborates with other medical professionals, patients and family members to provide the highest level of patient care.

Other Job Duties:

• Provides input and participates in budgeting, strategic planning and marketing related to speech-language pathology services as needed.
• Consistently and routinely checks email and organization intranet communication.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work daily.
• Participates in educational programs, in-service meetings and hospital projects as requested.
• Attends meetings as required.
• Works and communicates effectively with Rehab staff, Med/Surg unit staff, Medical Clinic staff, contractors as well as the community and customers.
• Promote good intra and inter organization communications and relationships.
• Maintain professional growth and development.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Hard Skill Requirement:

• Perform basic levels in Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Technologically adept
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Proficient in EMR system use

Soft Skill Requirement:

• Time management to ensure the workload is prioritized to the needs of the day, week and month based on the demands of departmental urgency.
• Actions and behavior that aligns with the organization’s strategic priorities, goals, and values.
• Critical thinking skills to assess and discern level of prioritization for workload
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to flex when necessary to coordinate and manage across multiple priorities.
• High level of professionalism with ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ages.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Lifts supplies and equipment
• Near visual acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less
• Prolonged standing and walking
• Ability to kneel and crawl on the floor with pediatric patients

Working Conditions:

• Pleasant climate-controlled atmosphere typically. Work conditions may vary with patient care setting i.e. home care, contract facilities, etc.
• Travel may be required.
• Occasionally subjected to unpleasant sights or odors
• Occasionally stressful from patient demands, multiple inquiries and requests