Speech/Language Pathologist

Reports to Therapy Department Leadership. Provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients with speech, language, cognitive, swallow impairment and / or other neurogenic communication disorders in the adult and / or pediatric population.

Participates in departmental programs, activities and serves as a role model of quality clinical practice. Serves as a resource to staff, rehabilitation teams and Interns.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION : We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES : Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS : Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Clinical Practice :

• Completes appropriate assessment per physician's orders and diagnosis.
• Develops individualized treatment plan including time based functional goals.
• Reassesses the patient and modifies treatment plan appropriately with respect to objective findings.
• Communicates directly with physician regarding any requests for changes to physician prescribed therapy.
• Assures prescription is current.
• Oversees and supervises patient treatment planning with therapy assistants.
• Follows all practice act and regulatory guidelines for assistant supervision and patient management.
• Begins D / C planning at the time of evaluation.
• Incorporates skills learned at continuing education / in-services into daily practice.
• Utilizes a variety of appropriate evidence based treatment techniques through individualized treatment planning to optimize outcomes.
• Instructs patient / family in therapeutic activities, provides hand-out when appropriate, and documents in the medical records.
• Communicates with patients and families in a way that is professional and appropriate to their level of understanding and need.

Department Operations :

• Productivity expectation for assigned area is met.
• Actively and appropriately participates in meetings, program development, special projects, performance improvement, etc.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in managing caseload on a daily basis.
• Proactively seeks to assist others when personal caseload is less than productivity expectation.
• Holds self accountable for all information related to policy and regulatory guidelines presented in meetings, in-services, in writing and verbally.
• Accepts responsibility / accountability and performs daily support activities when those personnel are not available.
• Meets all defined deadlines (license, CPR, mandatory ins., TB).
• Collaborates with all disciplines / ancillary personnel to effectively manage patients.
• Team norms are consistently followed for communication.
• When giving direction to support personnel, expectations are made clear.

Documentation :

• Adheres to department policy times frames for completion of all paperwork (evaluations, notes and D / C summary).
• Completes within established guidelines, all documentation related to patient assessment tools used for outcomes and or regulatory compliance.
• Documentation includes appropriate detail to support all billing charges and is completed in a timely fashion to meet payor requirements for prior authorization, and continuation of treatment.
• Content of all documentation is complete and appropriate for diagnosis and condition (i.e. objective functional measures, special tests and minutes).
• Signs / cosigns documentation appropriately per practice act and policy.

Professional Development :

• Maintains professional membership and is encouraged to participate in organizational activities and meetings.
• After attending continuing education, presents an in-service that will enhance staff knowledge and skills, improve patient management, patient outcomes and promote fiscally responsible patient management.
• Serves as a clinical resource related to rehabilitation therapy for other staff throughout the organization and community.
• Maintains knowledge of clinical practice through literature review.
• Provides supporting reference articles when presenting in-services, case presentations, etc.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department :

Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements :

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license / certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position / department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way :

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology.

Speech Language Pathology license in the State of Indiana is required. Previous acute care, in-patient rehab and out-patient treatment is beneficial.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires familiarity with use of modalities and equipment needed to complete standard treatments offered.
• Requires tact and discretion when working with patients, families, and physicians.
• Must maintain current BLS certification.

Working Conditions

At risk for occupational exposure to infectious diseases.

Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk / stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts / wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position / lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.

to perform the essential functions of the position.

Sufficient balance and strength necessary in standing to ensure patient safety while performing swallow studies.

PI242896966