Speech-Language Pathologist

Schedule: Day Shift.  40 hours weekly.  730am – 6:00pm; Could be staggered hours 5 days a week or 4 10-hour days all depending on patient census.

Type additional details specific to position and/or department.

About the Position

The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) evaluates patients with speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders to restore, improve, or maintain the patient’s optimal level of functioning, independence, and quality of life. Education, counseling, and instruction in use of devices and techniques are modalities used to improve functional communication

Overview of Responsibilities

• Evaluates each patient utilizing applicable diagnostic, prognostic, and functional ability assessments.

• Re-evaluates patient status at appropriate intervals.

• Interprets evaluation data, history, and applicable medical documentation to determine rehabilitation potential and potential benefit from intervention.

• Identifies physical, social, and psychological needs of the patient, family/caregivers, and significant others.

• Utilizes patient/family/caregiver input in setting functional rehabilitation goals.

• Documents goals in functional, measurable terms with stated timeframes.

• Incorporates information gained in evaluation and assessment to determine appropriate, specific treatment plan for intervention.

• Demonstrates competence in performing all procedures and treatments required in the area of practice, including but not exclusive to those listed in the Competency Inventory.

• Demonstrates awareness of continuity of patient care by following established plans.

• Modifies patient care based on continual assessment of the patient and the effect of treatment intervention.

• Demonstrates skills in identifying, interpreting, and incorporating patient’s psychological, physical, and social responses to intervention.

• Provides and/or recommends equipment or supplies for home use, which may include augmentative/alternative communication devices.

• Provides education appropriate to each patient’s level of understanding regarding evaluation, treatment, and self-responsibility.

• Instructs in home treatment programs to facilitate rehabilitation and promote independence in care as appropriate.

• Collaborates with patient, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals in planning discharge from rehabilitation services.

• Initiates discharge planning at the time of initial evaluation.

• Confers and communicates with referring physicians and other appropriate persons through progress notes, letters, evaluations, team meetings, and direct contact concerning the proposed course, progress, and discharge plan of each patient.

• Completes clear, concise, and clinically useful documentation in the medical record in a timely manner according to organizational policy.

• Provides supervision as appropriate for Clinical Fellows during their Clinical Fellowship Year.

• Provides clinical supervision to SLP students on-site.

• Participates in and is knowledgeable of QA&I activities.

• Ensures patient and departmental safety through work requests, following safety procedures, and other appropriate measures.

• Assumes responsibility to see that new speech therapy orders are promptly scheduled and notify manager/director when needed.

• Assists in orientation and training of new employees and students as appropriate.

• Conducts, participates in, and supervises the training and observation of medical and nursing personnel, students, and others in speech-language pathology.

• Markets and promotes speech-language pathology services appropriately.

• Assumes responsibility for the direction of speech-language pathology services as assigned by the manager/director.

• Submits capital equipment and operating budget recommendations as appropriate.

• Arranges for patient care items as appropriate and is responsible for maintaining appropriate supply inventory.

• Competently schedules, documents, records patient charges, and completes all paperwork according to organizational policy.

• Consults with manager/director regarding department needs and formulates and implements policies for the department upon approval.

• Develops and promotes new programs and services.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and can be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management deems necessary.

Education & Experience

• Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology from a CAA accredited program

• Preference may be given to individuals with advanced clinical knowledge or expertise

Licensure & Certification

• Must be fully licensed in Indiana to practice as a speech language pathologist. May work with a temporary permit in accordance with Indiana regulations.

• If assigned to provide services in Ohio, the SLP is required to hold a current OH license.

• Must hold Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or in the process of completing the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) under the supervision of a CCC-SLP.

• Basic Life Support certification is required.