Speech Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

The Speech Therapist position joins the Rehabilitation team of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists. Weekend duty may be assigned in this position.                                                                                                                                         

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS includes the following, other duties may be assigned:

• Patient Assessment:

• Completes patient evaluation / assessment with patient and / or family / caregiver if applicable, to develop a treatment plan to most appropriately meet patient needs and payer requirements. Confers with provider as needed to discuss orders and / or patient abnormalities or concerns.  

• Plan of Care:

• Develops a plan of care consistent with their assessment, MD orders and payer requirements, according to specific and measurable treatment goals, specifying expected outcomes within defined timeframe with the patient and family / caregiver if applicable. May recommend durable medical equipment and / or post discharge assistive devices or resources. Assess quality of care, patient progress, and modifies plan of care as needed with patient and family / caregiver if applicable.

• Care Provided:

• Completes treatment with patient including patient and / or family education if applicable within the time allotted in accordance with standards of care and evidence-based treatment interventions.

• Quality:

• Consistently identifies ways to improve processes, systems, and outcomes for patients and other customers. Recommends changes to improve existing services/operations and proposes new services that meet the needs of our customers.

• Patient and Family / Caregiver Education:

• Assesses need for patient / family instruction by reviewing their knowledge of disease, illness, injury, and readiness for or barriers to learning and provides patient/family education utilizing individual techniques based on patient / family needs.  Evaluates instruction / education through monitoring learning process, seeking feedback from patient / family and further modifying instruction plan based on patient needs. Provides education related to use of durable medical equipment and other assisted devices.

• Documentation:

• Completes documentation for care provided as well as or any other patient care data in accordance with department policy. Ensures that documentation provides a clear picture of patient progress towards discharge goals, includes all therapy interventions, evaluates patient responses, complications and outcomes. Communicates information to peers and physician as indicated by patient's status. Completes documentation and charges in a timely manner.                                                                                                                                   

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Graduate of an accredited program in Speech/Language Pathology by the American Speech - Language Hearing Association. Must hold the certificate of clinical competence in Speech / Language Pathology.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Training and Experience

A minimum of one (1) or more years of clinical experience as a Speech / Language Pathologist is preferred.  Knowledge of, and adherence to, the Code of Ethics of the American Speech - Language - Hearing Association.                                                                                                           

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must be currently licensed in the state of Washington as a Speech Therapist.