Speech Language Pathologist

Job Profile Summary

This position is responsible for evaluating and diagnosing problems relating to speech, language, and communication disorders. The successful candidate will participate in diagnostic assessment and in making treatment recommendations for children and youth with diverse disabilities, many of whom have co-existent mental health conditions. The position may include short term speech therapy when needed.

Job Overview

This clinician is responsible for evaluating and diagnosing complex problems relating to speech, language, communication.Responsible for formulating and recommending a plan, which may include therapy for the diagnosed problems, referrals for further consultations, extended speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training programin order to achieve a maximum level of functional independence. This position will work in an outpatient setting.  This position is also responsible for documenting all age-appropriate patient care appropriately in the medical record to comply with the policies and procedures of the department and JCAHO requirements.  Also responsible for supervision of other staff clinicians.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1.Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

2.Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association.

3. Speech Therapist License.

4. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) License.

5. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

6. Five (5) years of experience in Speech-Language Pathology.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Six (6) years of experience including two (2) years of experience with head injured patients.

2. Training and experience as a Pediatric Dysphagia Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listedbelow are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1.Evaluates and/or screens complex patients referred to Speech and Language Pathology with a high degree of professional competency & efficiency while successfully delivering competent care to patients in a continuum of ages from infancy to adulthood.

2.Based on behavioral observations, a complete case history from the patient and/or the family, and the results of standardized tests, is responsible for evaluating the status of the patient/client and making a diagnosis using accepted professional standards and individual experience and judgement. 

3.Makes recommendations which may include therapy, referrals for further consultations, extended speech and language evaluations, or suggestions for a home training program monitored by the clinician. 

4.Prepares complete written reports of evaluations and progress of individual cases. 

5.Consults with clients, patients and/or caregiver concerning recommendations and necessary carryover programs.  Evaluates progress to ascertain effectiveness of home programs.

6.Determines realistic goals, dismissal criteria, and identification of appropriate supplemental materials to enhance patient's and family's understanding of speech, language, and/or swallowing disorder. 

7.Selects the appropriate tests, measures, and rehabilitation services, and providing these in a consistent, efficient manner of high quality patient care. 

8.Informs and consults with medical personnel concerning type, extent, and prognosis of speech and/or language disorders with regard to pre and post operative, medicinal or other medically prescribed procedures.

9.Provides for all individual client follow-up procedures including communication with other professional disciplines, social services agencies, and others involved in service delivery to the patient. Participates in interdisciplinary and family conferences with other professional involved in services delivery to the patient in order to coordinate services.

10.Completes documentation, including evaluation reports, progress notes, periodic re-assessments and d/c summaries in a timely manner.  Complies with insurance requirements including obtaining MD signatures and insurance approvals.

11.Responsible for coordination of the Graduate Student Internship program in Speech- Language Pathology. Contacts participating graduate programs, develops criteria, clinical procedures, caseload size, and evaluates clinical skills following internship. 

12.Schedules and provides in-service to other professionals, groups, and service providers regarding speech/language and swallowing disorders in infants and children. 

13.Coordinates, oversees and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of scheduling, hiring, training and other daily operations for the Speech and Language Program.

14.Responsible for annual performance evaluations of other Speech Therapy staff.

15.Monitors individual workloads and assisting the appointment secretary in scheduling sufficient clinical activity in order to meet workload requirement.

16.Keeps abreast of current literature in the field and for acquiring the knowledge and skills regarding new tests, instruments, machines, etc. in the field. 

17.Maintains a working knowledge of the patient care program and devices available to patients. 

18.May be responsible forinitiating and/or participating in research projects, as required. 

19.May perform related bookkeeping duties.

Physical Requirements: 

1. Frequent standing & walking & transferring of patients.

2. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard, dexterity to provide quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques to a wide variety of patients.

3. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.  

4. Visually assess injury and functional status of patients, audibly assess patient subjective complaints.

Skills & Abilities:

1.Broad foundation of knowledge and skills in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a wide variety of speech, language, cognitive, communicative, and swallowing disorders.

2. Demonstrate interpersonal skills including communication, teamwork, and willing to work one-on-one or a group basis.

3.Ability to work independently, to be self-motivated and well organized. Ability to function well in very busy situations.

4.Responsible and reliable.

5.Demonstrates flexibility and able to adjust to changes at a moment’s notice.

6. Maturity to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary setting.

7.Able to work effectively with a wide variety of patients with acute and long term disability.

8.Ability to read/write and communicate in English.

9.Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients of all different age populations in order to provide care appropriately.

10.Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect and adjust plan of care as appropriate.

11.Demonstrates proper time management skills to attain department productivity while assuring quality patient care.