What are the responsibilities and job description for the Speech Language Pathologist position at VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION OF THE WABASH VALLEY INC?
Mission: Providing the best in home health and hospice care in the Wabash Valley…Our Passion, Our Promise, Our Privilege
Vision: Our vision is to be the premier home health and hospice provider in the Wabash Valley by assuring that all individuals we serve reach their highest possible level for independence and health
Values: Compassion first – Integrity always – Respect for all – Excellence in everything
Essential Job Duties
1. Diagnoses and remediates speech and language disorders.
A. Diagnoses speech, language and cognitive disorders by evaluating causes and test results.
B. Interprets findings to patients, family and VNA staff.
C. Treats speech, language and cognitive impairments.
D. Determines need for referral to specialists in medicine, dentistry and related areas.
2. Plans, directs or conducts remedial program designed to restore or improve communicative efficiency.
A. Trains patients with functional or organic speech disorders to produce, improve, or conserve proper speech.
B. Writes reports on diagnostic findings, therapy used and progress made.
C. Writes complete treatment plans at designated time intervals.
3. Reviews each patient’s chart and history to become familiar with patient’s needs.
A. Maintains regular notes per visit on the patient’s progress. Submits in accordance with timeliness policy.
B. Develops patient educational materials as needed.
C. Maintains contact with all referring physicians and sends discharge summary.
4. Conforms to established agency expectations for preparation and maintenance of clinical records and other designated records.
5. Instructs other health team personnel, patients and family members as indicated in supportive exercises or aspects of rehabilitative program.
6. Provides in-service education programs for agency staff as needed.
7. Participates in agency record reviews and QAPI activities, if requested.
8. Diagnoses and remediates swallowing disorders.
A. Diagnoses swallowing problems by observing swallow.
B. Performs bedside swallow testing.
C. Recommends barium swallow evaluation as indicated.
D. Instructs patient and family on safe swallowing techniques.
E. Performs and instructs family on methods to stimulate swallow.
F. Instructs patient and family on exercises to increase strength of lips and tongue.
G. Instructs patient and family on correct swallow.
9. Maintains an awareness of other therapies the patient may be receiving and confers with these disciplines as needed.
10. Is competent and proficient with the job functions.
11. Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth.
A. Self-directed in acquiring knowledge regarding the most current aspects of position.
12. Supports the Corporate Compliance Program by adhering to the principles and standards of the Compliance Program and Code of Conduct. Each employee is responsible for ensuring that all patient, facility, and employee information is not compromised.
13. Is knowledgeable regarding agency policy, procedures, and general information.
A. Attends selected workshops, staff meetings, and seminars to enhance job performance and knowledge of services
B. Reports to work at the scheduled time and uses time efficiently.
C. Willingly performs other duties outside of job responsibilities as may be required.
Qualifications:Education, Training & Experience
1. Master’s degree is speech pathology and/or certified by the American Speech/Language and Hearing Association.
2. Must be licensed by the Indiana Board of Examiners on Speech Pathology and Audiology.
3. One to two years’ experience desirable.
4. Must meet requirements for employment, including but not limited to, possession of a valid driver’s license, insurance, successful completion of a criminal background report, post offer physical exam and drug screen.
Tools & Equipment
General office equipment: phone, computer, tablet, copy/fax machine, printer, cellular phone, files and other misc. equipment as needed for patient treatment.
Standards of Service Excellence
Attitude
▪Promptly responds to customers in a friendly manner. Every customer greeted with a smile.
▪Listens carefully and uses customer’s name.
▪Is consistently courteous and helpful
Appearance
▪Wears visible identification badge at all times.
▪Displays a positive appearance including appropriate dress as defined in employee handbook.
▪Takes responsibility for facility appearance as within your control
Confidentiality/Privacy
▪Is responsible for ensuring that all patient, facility, and employee information is not compromised
▪Respects privacy of all by eliminating gossip and unprofessional talk.
Commitment to Co-workers (A co-worker is anyone within the organization with whom you interact.)
▪Welcomes and supports new employees.
▪Is considerate, sensitive, and tolerant of other employees and their differences.
▪Is honest in all interactions with co-workers.
Communication
▪Recognizes that customer’s time is very valuable and provides prompt service.
▪Answers telephone promptly and consistently identifies self and department.
▪Returns calls promptly
Safety Awareness
▪Practices safety as a work habit
Working with Others-Teamwork
▪Takes pride in organization as if you owned it. Speaks positively about the organization.
▪Reports to work at scheduled time.
▪Record shows infrequent absences.
▪Attends departmental in-service training and education programs.
▪Supports and participates in various teams throughout the organization as is able.