Summary:

Following established guidelines and protocols regarding the delivery of patient care; conducts diagnostic testing and provides therapeutic care to patients.

Essential functions:

1. Assesses patient voice, speech, and swallowing conditions by performing invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tests to include but not limited to: endoscopic, acoustic, aerodynamic and physiologic exams. Ensures accuracy and calibration of results to norms, re-tests as clinically indicated. Prepares patient for each diagnostic test by describing test and allaying patients' fears.

2. Compiles patient case history, clinical observations and demographic information following departmental requirements and ensure these are reflected in the departmental database.

3. Prepares for case discussion and rating of stroboscopic examinations by preparing clinical diagnostic summary of each case tested along with recommendations for treatment. Once competency is determined by the Clinical Director and Associate Director, may conduct rating of stroboscopic examinations per departmental protocol.

4. After strobe rating is completed, will encompass comments and decisions made and integrate into a summary of final diagnostic, treatment plan and evaluation report.

5. Provides voice and speech therapy to patients, following protocols for treatment. Maintains patient medical record notes after each treatment following medical records guidelines; completes appropriate information for billing purposes per treatment.

6. Prepares discharge summaries and may provide patient with voice and or speech aides as required by treatment protocol.

7. Participates in clinical research which may involve clinical trials case study research and data base management following specific protocols of the study.

8. Maintains communications with physicians and Director regarding patient care issues or complaints.

9. Follows all the standards developed for the position within JCAHO, quality care, infection control, and clinical competency requirements.

10. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care appropriate to the age of the patients served in the dept. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patients status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs. Provides care needed as described in department policies and procedures regarding the development level and age of patients and the delivery of that care.

11. Keeps abreast of the field by attending educational seminars, preparing papers, reading journals and the like.

12. Participates in the supervision of graduate students doing clinical internships at the Lab.

Education & Experience:

Master's Degree in speech language pathology

MASS license in good standing, and Certificate of Clinical Competence

CPR certification desired

Working knowledge of universal precautions required