Speech Language Pathologist - Pool/On-Call

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:              SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of your job position is to plan, organize, develop and implement Speech Therapy Services in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and as may be directed by the Director of Rehab to assure that the highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all times.

DELAGATION OF AUTHORITY:

As the Speech Language Pathologist, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way state or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Functions:

• Plan, develop, organize and implement speech therapy evaluation and treatment in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility.
• Meet with interdisciplinary staff in planning therapy services.
• Develop and maintain Speech Therapy standards.
• Assist in developing, implementing and coordinating policies & procedures.
• Interpret S.T. policies and procedures to personnel, residents, family members etc. as necessary.
• Involve the resident/family in planning objectives and goals for the resident.
• Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of resident care plans, resident assessments, etc. in accordance with facility policy.
• Recommend modifications or changes in residents therapy program as indicated.
• Maintain treatment records, resident files, and progress notes as required.
• Represent the facility at and participate in meeting as directed by the Director of Rehab.
• Make rounds with attending physician/medical director etc. as necessary. -
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which S.T. will be accomplished.
• Maintain an adequate liaison with family and residents.
• Assist in developing and maintaining an ongoing quality assurance program for S.T. services as directed by the Director of Rehab.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Director of Rehab.

Personnel Functions:

• Assist the Director of Rehab in determining staffing needs necessary to meet the needs of the residents.
• Provide guidance and training for new and/or less experienced personnel.
• Maintain valid and current licenses as required by the State.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.
• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-disciplinary personnel, as well as other departments within the facility to assure that services and activities can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Coordinate S.T. with other departments.
• Notify Director of Rehab when you will be late or absent from work according to facility policy.

Staff Development:

• Develop and participate in programs designed for in-service education, on the job training and orientation classes.
• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or that may become necessary.
• Attend and participate in workshops, seminars etc. to keep abreast of current changes in the health care field, as well as to maintain a professional status.
• Attend and participate in annual OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazard communication, TB management and blood borne pathogens standard.

Safety and Sanitation:

• Assist in developing standard for the S.T. department.
• Follow established policies and procedures at all times, including appropriate dress codes.
• Be alert for resident safety during any/all therapy.
• Follow established infection control procedure when performing duties in accordance with facility policy.
• Inspect S.T. area and practices for compliance with current applicable regulations at least monthly.
• Ensure that the therapy area is maintained in a clean and safe manner for resident comfort and convenience by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained to perform such duties/services.
• Assist Director of Rehab in determining the equipment and supplies needed for the department.

Resident Rights:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Ensure that residents rights to fair and equitable treatment, self determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage a complaint, are well established and maintained at all times.
• Honor the resident's refusal of treatment request and report to Director of Nursing Services.
• Inform the resident of consequences of not participating in prescribed therapy and document such action in the resident's clinical record.
• Report complaints and grievances made by the resident, families and/or visitor.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works throughout the facility.
• Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours
• Is involved with resident, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel etc. under all circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family, personnel and visitors.
• Communicates with medical staff, nursing personnel and other facility staff.
• Attend and participates in continuing educational programs as may be required by current regulations.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, disease, conditions etc. including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Must possess, as a minimum, a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited college or university. Must possess a current unencumbered license to practice as a Speech Therapist in this state.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activity services.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must be knowledgeable of  Speech therapy procedures.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures etc. of the Speech Therapy service.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

(With or without the aid of mechanical devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to speak and write 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 and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• 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 push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 75 feet.

• Must be able to assist the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.