Speech Language Pathologist

General Purpose: Speech language pathology services are provided for diagnosing and treating speech and language disorders which result in communication disabilities, and for the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders (dysphagia), as well as auditory rehabilitation. The treatment and intervention provided is in accordance with the patient’s plan of care, accepted standards of professional practice, applicable law and regulation, as well as applicable Interim HealthCare policies, procedures and clinical pathways. Essential Functions: Assists the physician(s) or other licensed independent practitioners in evaluating the patient’s level of communication deficit, hearing and swallowing function, as well as in developing the resulting plan of care/treatment including appropriate long-term treatment goals, selection of interventions, and the intensity, frequency and duration of services to meet the needs of an individual patient. Completes initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments at appropriate time points as assigned. Participates in ongoing interdisciplinary assessment of the patient. Participates in the development and evaluation of the plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s). Provides services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care. Regularly assesses changes in the patient’s status since the last visit/treatment day, and determines whether the planned services should be modified, performing a re-evaluation and obtaining revision orders from the physician as indicated. Counsels and educates the patient and family, and other caregivers to promote patient progress toward mutually established goals and in meeting healthcare related needs. Selects and teaches task-oriented therapeutic activities designed to improve comprehension and production of language in oral, signed or written modalities; speech and voice production; auditory training; speech reading; and communication strategies using multi-modal training (e.g. visual, auditory-visual, and tactile). Advises and consults with the family and/or other caregivers to promote patient progress and planning for discharge. Effectively communicates with other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing care to promote coordination of patient care and planning for discharge. Communicates with all physicians involved in the plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current plan of care. Completes and submits timely, legible, accurate, relevant and sufficient documentation (written or electronic) addressing the treatment and interventions provided, the response to the treatment and interventions, and the patient’s progress toward goals in accordance with professional standards of practice, policy and procedures, and payor requirements. Participates in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. Participates in in-services or training, as requested. Participates in the Office’s Emergency Preparedness program, as requested. Completes other assignments as requested and assigned. Accesses personal health information (“PHI”) necessary to fulfill the above duties and responsibilities.

Access to use and ability to disclose PHI is further defined by each organization. Minimum Education & Experience Requirements: Master or doctoral degree in speech language pathology, and who meets either of the following requirements:

licensed as a speech-language pathologist by the State in which the individual furnishes such services; or In the case of an individual who furnishes services in a State which does not license speech-language pathologists:

Has successfully completed 350 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum (or is in the process of accumulating such supervised clinical experience); Performed not less than 9 months of supervised full-time speech-language pathology services after obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or a related field; and Successfully completed an approved national examination in speech-language pathology.

In the last five (5) years, two (2) years of experience as a speech language pathologist that is relevant to the patient population assigned preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Able to provide proof of current CPR certification, per organization-specific policy. Able to demonstrate basic understanding of computers and workplace software. Able to work with people, function well under stress, use clinical judgment, be creative and accept challenges. Able to effectively communicate in English with all levels of the workforce, both clinical and non-clinical. Able to perform and prioritize multiple functions or tasks. Able to read and interpret technical instructions related to the care of the patient and use of equipment in providing treatment. Able to visually and aurally observe and assess the patient. Able to effectively deal with multiple changes based on patient needs and scheduling. Able to provide proof of valid driver's license, if applicable. Able to provide proof of valid auto liability insurance if assignment(s) include driving own vehicle to transport patient. Working Conditions & Physical Effort: Able to constantly travel within geographic area serviced by office from assignment to assignment. Meets the applicable health requirements to provide patient care per applicable law or regulation. Work is normally performed in a residence, aggregate living facility, school or occupational setting. Occasional exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens and/or other potentially infectious or hazardous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment (e.g. face masks, goggles, latex and or non-latex gloves). Able to constantly stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, kneel and reach freely. Key

Occasionally

Activity/conditions exist 0-2.5 hrs/day or up to 30%

Frequently

Activity/conditions exist 2.5–5.5 hrs/day or over 30%

Constantly

Activity/conditions exist 5.5+ hrs/day or over 60%

Sedentary

Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs

Light

Lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 20 lbs

Medium

Lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs

Heavy

Lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling over 50 lbs

Very Heavy

Lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling over 100 lbs

Able to occasionally lift, reposition, and transfer patients. Able to constantly grasp with thumb in opposition to fingers of palm, i.e. manipulate pen, knobs or objects. Light activity that may require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 20 lbs.