Per Diem Speech/Language Pathologist

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We have been widely recognized for our exceptional culture, world-class physicians, Magnet-designated nurses and passionate employees who make a real difference in our community. With tremendous growth opportunities, great benefits, and flexible work schedules, it is no wonder why we are consistently recognized as a Great Place To Work!

Position Summary

The per diem Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for providing speech, language, and dysphagia services to patients include evaluations, planning individual patient care programs, treatments, and home programs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

1. Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors

2. Performs speech/language evaluations and treatment procedures upon physicians referrals by using standardized and non-standardized test procedures and by considering case history, medical information, and presenting speech / language and/ or swallowing symptomlogy.

3. Determines appropriateness of speech / language interventions, makes an estimate of prognosis, and establishes long and short-term goals for rehabilitation.

4. Determines need for referral to other specialists and disciplines, and additional recommendations.

5. Coordinate with Radiology scheduling videofluoroscopic swallowing (MBS) evaluations.

6. Coordinates scheduling and completion for fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES) as appropriate including discussion with MD and obtaining MD order and coordination with the patient’s care team

7. Confers with Dietary Department regarding appropriate diet consistencies for patients.

8. Writes evaluation reports, progress notes, and out patient discharge summaries in a timely manner.

9. Communicates information to patients, families, physicians, rehabilitation team members, and other involved professionals as needed, both verbally and by written reports.

10. Plans, directs, administers, and revises treatment goals and programs designed to improve communication and swallowing skills.

11. Keeps ongoing charted records of treatments and progress of patients.

12. Provides home programs, exercise plans, and educational information.

13. Provides augmentative communication as needed.

14. Provides ongoing counseling and guidance to patients and families, and documents this activity.

15. Makes discharge recommendations and follows up.

16. Fills out charge slips for services provided/bills accordingly.

17. Presents findings to interdisciplinary team, and at department conferences.

18. Participates in conferences with outside professional personnel as required (audiologists, psychiatrists, school personnel).

19. Attends department meetings, conferences, and in-services.

20. Attends hospital mandatory in-service programs.

21. Conducts family conferences and counseling sessions.

22. Coordinates therapeutic programs with other clinical disciplines.

23. Attends Home Care Professional Advisory Committee meetings.

24. Determines policies and procedures of speech /pathology service based on state, federal, American Speech / Language Hearing Association (ASHA) professional Service Board, JCAHO and WPHC standards.

25. Determines need for purchase and repair of supplies and equipment.

26. Provides chart forms/electronic documentation to reflect evaluation and treatment procedures and progress, reevaluate and discharge.

27. Pursues continuing education activities.

28. Develops Performance Improvement criteria for speech/ pathology service and evaluates and reviews quality of care provided through periodic reviews using the criteria. Participates in PM&R PI activities and meetings.

29. Maintains and carries out procedures for departmental records, patients daily and monthly attendance summaries, case folders, charge slips, program schedules, monthly statistics, etc.

30. Arranges for coverage during planned absence and orients substitute to policies and procedures.

31. Performs all other related duties as assigned

Education & Experience Requirements

• Masters degree in Speech /Language Pathology. Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).

• American Speech /Language / Hearing Association. New York State License in Speech / Language Pathology.
• Clinical experience in evaluation and treatment of aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, voice disorders, dysfluency, and other types of communication disorders of adult or child. Clinical experience with evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders.
• Experience with videofluoroscopic swallow studies (MBS). Preferred experience with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES)

• Qualifications: Ability to interact with others in a constructive manner. Ability to promote the availability of quality in-services to staff. Ability to interact with and treat adults and seniors. Open to treating children and adolescents as requested within professional ability level. Experience treating infants or willingness to learn.

• BLS certification (through American Heart Association) is required for new hires. All existing staff will need to obtain their BLS by 1/1/2023.

Core Competencies

• Clinical proficiency
• Ability to multi-task
• Teamwork
• Communication skills and problem-solving skills
• Planning and organizing and pays close attention to detail
• Uses good judgment when making decisions
• Ability to work under stressful situations

Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment

• May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the hospital’s Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
• Position requires ability to move about freely at least 85 per cent of the time.
• Must be able to remain stationary for extended/prolonged periods.
• Frequently moves/transports objects up to fifty (50) pounds and must be able to move patients of all weights with a minimum of one (1) assist or assistive device/equipment.
• Must be able to work in environment with continuous interruptions.
• Must be able to assess and respond to rapidly changing situational needs of patients, department, and hospital.
• Must be able to detect sounds and always respond to emergency sounds/signals.
• Position requires ability to concentrate on fine detail with interruptions and attend to tasks for more than sixty (60) minutes at a time.

Primary Population Served

All populations

(Salary is based on years of experience, education and certification)

The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of White Plains Hospital.