Speech Language Pathologist

## Description

**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:**

1. Follows established departmental procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, environmental and infection control standards and hospital policies including compliance policies.
2. 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.
3. Perform initial and ongoing speech-language pathology evaluations according to ASHA standards of practice as well as state standards.
4. 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.
5. Implement Plan of Treatment on a consistent schedule and adjust this schedule and plan according to patient progress.
6. Document patient progress according to approved medical documentation and facility documentation procedures.
7. 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.
8. Report patient progress to patient, approved patient caregivers and family members, facility staff and healthcare professionals involved in ongoing treatment/care of patients.
9. Develop a plan for patients following completion of their Plan of Treatment with appropriate in-home care services.
10. Maintain professional and technical knowledge through attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications, etc.
11. Assist other facility staff members as needed to provide care and create a clean, orderly and effective environment for rehabilitation and speech-language pathology.
12. Adapts speech-language pathology interventions to meet the needs of patients from a variety of abilities, backgrounds and ages.
13. Conducts or participates in training staff in speech-language pathology techniques and procedures as appropriate.
14. Assists with the scheduling of patients.
15. Collaborates with other medical professionals, patients and family members to provide the highest level of patient care.

**Other Job Duties:**

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

**Hard Skill Requirement:**

1. Perform basic levels in Excel, Word, and Outlook
2. Technologically adept
3. Ability to work with minimal supervision
4. Proficient in EMR system use

**Soft Skill Requirement:**

1. Time management to ensure the workload is prioritized to the needs of the day, week and month based on the demands of departmental urgency.
2. Actions and behavior that aligns with the organization’s strategic priorities, goals, and values.
3. Critical thinking skills to assess and discern level of prioritization for workload
4. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to flex when necessary to coordinate and manage across multiple priorities.
5. 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