SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

1.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service/care appropriate to the age of the patients served, in accordance with Hawarden Regional Healthcare standards. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, the Compliance Accountability Program, Code of Ethics, and HRH policies and procedures, including all provisions of the Health Insurance Portability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). In order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior by implementing the organizational vision, values, and mission.

2.

Performs Speech Therapy (ST) evaluations for adult and geriatric patients. A smaller number of adolescents and children are served.

3.

Demonstrates ability to interpret physicians’ referrals with knowledge of precautions, contraindications. Acts as resource to physicians in recommending appropriate speech therapy interventions.

4.

Obtains all available pertinent information regarding the patient prior to initial evaluation, e.g., significant past medical history, present medical/surgical interventions, etc.

5.

Chooses, utilizes, and applies appropriate evaluation procedures (uses those procedures as defined by each specialty area).

6.

Demonstrates ability to informally assess general, mental, emotional, and cognitive status. Recognizes abnormal subtle changes and makes appropriate recommendations to attending M.D. for further consults.

7.

Sets measurable appropriate goals based on estimated length of hospital stay or projected length of ST treatment.

8.

Revises treatment plan and goals as appropriate for basic and more complicated diagnoses.

9.

Appropriately monitors physiological and psychological response to treatment.

10.

Involves patient and family as appropriate in treatment planning and discharge.

11.

Recommends equipment or materials for patient’s hospital and discharge needs using most appropriate and cost effective materials.

12.

Participates in individual patient care team conferences and/or consultation for purposes of patient’s plan of care and initiates such meetings for specific patient needs. Provides verbal reports regarding patient’s status.

13.

Carries patient load that reflects productivity standard of the unit.

14.

Is responsible for written and EHR documentation that includes initial evaluations, progress notes, home programs, discharge summaries, statistical reporting, interagency forms and incident reports that are legible, inclusive, concise, accurate, grammatically correct, timely, and meet standards of department/hospital, CAH, outside regulatory and insurance agencies.

15.

Assists Therapy Manager in reviewing and updating clinical protocols yearly in areas of expertise. Attends Therapy Department and other hospital meetings.

16.

Informs physicians and Therapy Manager about significant developments in the following areas in a timely manner: unusual patient or physician problems, equipment problems, and incidents of injury to patients or self.

17.

Is responsible for checking that department equipment is in working condition and meets safety standards prior to patient treatment. Reports defective equipment to Therapy Manager.

18.

Participates in orienting, teaching, guiding, and evaluating the performance of supportive personnel.

19.

Must have a general working knowledge of computers and department specific software (i.e. Healthstream, internet, etc.)

20.

Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, conferences, and in services. Is knowledgeable of and complies with Safety and Infection Control Policies & Procedures. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities as requested. Keeps up to date on new procedures and research. Maintains confidentiality of information pertaining to clients, physicians, employees and HRH business.

21.

Completes all mandatory training such as Healthstream, The Patient Experience, Safe Choices, Crucial Conversations and any other training as designated by Administration.

22.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.