JOB SUMMARY

Evaluates and treats patients with communication speech and swallowing disorders to improve communication skills through vocal exercises and cognitive therapies in accordance with FHS policies/guidelines regulatory requirements and the standards of the profession. Work includes indirect patient care activities such as; documentation scheduling family training attendance at rounds interaction with the Interdisciplinary Team participation in staff meetings ordering supplies and contributing to continuous quality control and performance improvement.

Incumbents are also accountable for responding effectively to legal patient rights safety maintenance and emergency situations; participating in continuing education staff development self-directed learning and overseeing the performance of and providing performance feedback of staff aides students volunteers as requested.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs patient assessment/data collection and formulates treatment plans for individuals with disorders of cognition communication and swallow; reviews goals and treatment plan with patient and/or caregiver.

• Reviews medical record/documentation prior to initial evaluation to familiarize self with patients history and obtains necessary information to perform a thorough quality assessment.
• Develops Speech Language Pathology plan of care to meet established goals and individualized needs of patient/client.
• Selects and administers assessment tools according to standards as established by profession and department.
• Completes functional swallow/communication assessment related to patients individual needs within the designated service area.
• Demonstrates clinical skills for differentially diagnosing communication and cognitive skills.
• Demonstrates clinical skills for differentially evaluating and diagnosing swallowing and obtains baseline swallow status assesses risks for aspiration determines diet level
• Performs video swallow studies and FEES to evaluate diagnose and treat swallowing issues.
• Communicates status needs and treatment plan with the patient and designated caregiver(s)/staff in an effective manner.

Implements and updates a treatment plan that includes: consultation with other disciplines; communication of recommendations to referral sources; and participation in team decision-making.

• Implements treatment and conducts treatment program which may include but is not limited to: cognitive/communication training swallowing treatment home evaluation family training equipment recommendations and ordering.
• Regularly assesses clinical signs and symptoms to determine effectiveness of treatment progress of patient towards goals the need for modifying goals and treatment.
• Performs treatment according to according to established protocols or accepted clinical standards of practice using a variety of modalities and implements new and innovative treatment approaches.
• Adheres to most recent treatment plan and documented frequency per evaluation/certification or reassessment/recertification.
• Initiates discharge from speech language pathology when the patient has received maximum benefit from services.
• Identifies and implements strategies to meet the educational needs of the patient/family/significant others as it relates to speech language pathology.
• Participates in supervision and performance feedback of staff aides students volunteers as requested.

Completes all required documentation in an accurate and thorough manner of speech language pathology treatment in accordance with FHS documentation standard.

• Utilizes documentation that meets the accepted clinical hospital and departmental standards and chart review criteria.
• Completes documentation responsibilities in a timely manner according to hospital and departmental criteria.
• Participates in chart review process and adjusts practices according to feedback as provided.

Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication collaboration and the provision of care treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the departments defined specific populations served.

Performs related duties as required.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and three months of recent experience (three-month internship may apply) in the field of Speech-Language Pathology in a hospital or rehabilitation setting with an emphasis in adult neurological services that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.

• Current Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Current active Washington State Speech/Language Pathologist license or a Washington State Interim Permit (valid for a maximum of 6 months unless an extension is approved by the Department Director.
• Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.