Speech Language Pathologist I - Outpatient
Summary:
The Speech Pathologist (SLP) reports to the Clinical Supervisor of Speech and is responsible for administration and direct application of speech/language pathology treatment modalities as prescribed by a referring physician. The SLP accurately evaluates and treats patients with communication and/or swallowing disorders while completing and maintaining patient records. The SLP assists patients to obtain maximum independent performance and function within the least restrictive environment to promote independence while adjusting to the constraints of their disability. The SLP also participated in performance improvement activities, completes annual discipline specific competencies, and participates in CQI activities.
Responsibilities:
• Upon physician referral, performs patient evaluations to determine problems and goals.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation – makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Prepares reports related to Speech Language Pathology activities, including performance improvement activities.
• Documents appropriately in the medical record for all Speech Language Pathology treatments, assessments and evaluations performed for the inpatient and outpatient population. Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Develops and implements effective treatment programs in consultation with physicians. Treats patients in accordance with Speech Language Pathology standards of care and practice.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Confers with the individuals most closely associated with the patient and keeps them informed on patient needs, treatment modifications and progress.
• Performs examinations such as swallowing examinations accurately and communicates results timely to all appropriate members of the healthcare team.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involved patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff and administrative team.
• Intercedes for the patient when dietary revisions are necessary to prevent aspiration.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Treats patients of all ages (i.e., pediatric to geriatric) race, gender and disability without bias.
• Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Demonstrates the ability to write documentation, entries into the medical record, communications with other caregivers, registration staff, and providers in a clearly legible manner.
• Documents appropriately following departmental guidelines in a timely, concise and accurate fashion.
• Demonstrates that treatment documentation includes the date, total treatment minutes in minutes, and total timed code treatment minutes.
• As measured via random chart audit Patient goals are:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Functional
• Outcome Oriented
• Time frame
• Ensures that services provided meet the requirements for medical necessity including that they are skilled, safe, and effective (i.e., progress indicates that the care is effective in rehabilitation of function). (This section applies to any activities billed to a third party payor)
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Assists with orientation and provides in-service to staff in a timely manner after attendance at a conference or continuing educational program.
• Maintains standards of professional Speech Language Pathology society procedures and ethical behavior.
• Updates time and attendance record daily
• Productivity meets Labor Standard
• Complies with Hand washing Policy
• Demonstrates excellent customer service
• Uses appropriate outcome tools
Competencies and skills:
Essential:
* Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
* Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
* Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
* Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
* Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
* Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
* Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
* Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
* Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
* No previous experience required.
* Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
* Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.
* Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
* Seeks Process Improvement & Applies System Thinking: Possesses and gains insight into situations, problems and processes. Understands the interconnection between organizational elements. Deconstructs problems and systematically investigates the various components. Considers the impact of actions on the entire process/system. Detects problems and opportunities, recognizes important information, and links various data to trace potential causes and relevant details.
Credentials:
Essential:
* Speech Pathologist with the State or Maine or eligible to obtain.
Education:
Essential:
* Bachelor's Degree
Working conditions:
Essential:
* Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
* Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
* Need to drive to perform responsible duties.
* Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
* Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
* Potential exposure to noxious odors.
* Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
* Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
* Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
* Continuous sitting.
* Continuous standing.
* Continuous walking.
Equal Opportunity EmploymentWe are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, protected veteran status, national origin, genetic information or any other legally protected status