Speech Language Pathologist

BASIC FUNCTION

The licensed therapist evaluates and treats patients and communicates with patients, clients and team members. The licensed therapist maintains documentation of services in the medical record. Conducts in-services and training for patients, clients and team members on an ongoing basis in restorative techniques.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise Therapist Assistants and therapy students in direct patient care to carry out plan of care and patient related activities per state practice act and reimbursement regulations.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and a collaborative team building approach with all patients, clients and team members.
• Consistently attends work and provides appropriate notice for scheduled paid time off
• Maintains productivity standard as determined by supervisor and clinical needs.
• Demonstrates consistent knowledge and application of Medicare and other reimbursement regulations.
• Evaluate patients based upon the physician referral/orders.
• Develop effective treatment plans with functional, goal based outcomes and ensure approval /orders for services from referring physician.
• Treat patients according to treatment plan.
• Record clinical documentation according to accepted regulatory and professional guidelines.
• Record daily treatment charges per approved billing guidelines.
• Instruct families and nursing staff regarding restorative/home programs.
• Participate in discharge planning.
• Communicate with supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, problems and plans.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, patient care conferences, utilization review meetings, and other meetings as required or directed.
• Participate in in-service training program for other staff at the facility.
• Participate in facility performance improvement programs
• Coordinate with members of other departments, attending physicians, committee members, and other staff within the Rehab department.
• Perform other duties as required or directed
• Screen patients based upon identified need.
• Assist with cleaning maintenance of treatment area and department
• Secure necessary durable medical equipment and adaptive equipment for patients.
• Report any problems with department equipment to appropriate personnel so that it is maintained in good working order.
• Travel or float between facilities as determined by supervisor and patient needs.

EXPOSURE RISK

The Staff Therapist is at high risk for exposure to blood and body fluids.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Director of Rehab or Designee for both administrative and patient care responsibilities.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises Assistants, rehab techs, temp/provisional licensees and therapy students.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in well-lighted/ventilated office and therapy areas.
• Sitting, standing, bending, lifting and moving intermittently during working hours.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Involved with patients, family members, personnel, etc., under all conditions/circumstances.
• Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Willingness to work beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Must be constantly alert for patient’s safety.
• Attend and participate in continuing educational programs. May involve overnight travel.
• Subject to falls, burns from equipment, infectious diseases, odors, etc., throughout the workday.
• Subject to lifting, carrying and supporting patients.
• Licensed and able to travel between facilities as indicated by Supervisor.
• Mobile phone use is only permitted during break and non-paid allocated lunch times. Phones should be kept on vibrate at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

Graduate of an accredited college or university with a valid state license or eligibility to obtain license in state where services are provided.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move (walk, stoop, bend, stand, sit push, pull, and lift) intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately, so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, clients and team members.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to lift patients, medical equipment, supplies, etc. to 50 lbs.