Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Per diem

I. Major Responsibilities:

1. Conducts diagnostic evaluations of various communication disorders including infants and children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics and frail elderly, inpatient and outpatient as assigned.
2. This may include, but is not limited to, language disorders, articulation deficits, auditory and auditory-perceptual deficits, voice disorders, stuttering and neurological disorders such as congential, developmental, or acquired. Assessment may include consideration of the physical status of the oral and vocal mechanisms, breathing patterns, vocabulary, language structure, articulation, voice quality, fluency, auditory processing, language integration, written language and such other parameters as may be deemed appropriate. Analyzes client's data and interprets test results to physicians.
3. Provides remedial treatment in both individual and group settings for children and adults with the above communication and swallowing disorders, utilizing clinical techniques appropriate to each type of disorder. Uses complex decision making to analyze each patient's problems and develop treatment interventions to maximize function in daily living activities.
4. Recommends, designs, and/or implements augmentative methods of communication such as communication boards and mechanical devices when oral and/or aural communication is not possible. This is done in conjunction with the patient, family and/or others.
5. Completes documentation that evidences a high degree of clinical knowledge, attention to individual patient complexities and needs and modifications to treatment plan to assure best functional outcome.
6. Delegates caseload to therapists, overseeing quality of care and supervising performance. Collaborates with team members to assure patient coverage and equitable work distribution.
7. Meets and often exceeds department standards for productivity, timely completion of clinical and non-clinical documentation. Attends to details in meeting timeframes for patient care in relation to patient's need and overall plan for hospitalization or insurance rules and authorization procedures. Demonstrates high level of commitment to patients and position through excellent attendance, efforts to improve processes, and willingness to extend beyond normal work hours when necessary to meet patient or department needs.
8. Acts as a clinical resource for a designated clinical population or functional unit. Researches clinical protocols in specialty practice area to evaluate outcomes, assure evidence based practice and up-to-date procedures. Presents results of research to clinical staff and oversees staff training when new protocols are implemented.
9. Educates patient, family and other caregivers in therapy program and goals. Participates in patient care meetings, collaborates with team members, and assists with discharge planning.
10. Consults with other members of the health care team to insure coordination and effectiveness of therapies provided. May act as resource to medical team via consultation in clinic, participation in patient care rounds or provision of inservice education to non-rehabilitation departments to promote awareness of Speech Therapy.
11. Is active in orientation of new staff and supervision of students and aides. Accepts a minimum of one preceptor assignment or clinical affiliate / year. Participates regularly in specific orientation of new staff in area of clinical expertise.
12. Participates in implementation of quality assurance program for clinical service, including routine chart audits to assure compliance to protocols, review of staff documentation and clinical activities to mentor improved performance and / or improve clinical or business processes.
13. Assists in implementation of triaging, prioritizing, monitoring admissions, referrals, and discharges to and from the service as assigned.
14. Develops own clinical knowledge and skills through participation in professional organizations, attending continuing education programs, seeking advanced certification, peer review and other related internal and external resources.
15. Participates in special interest group or committee within the profession, department or hospital in order to promote staff education and program development. May present at community, state or national conferences to represent Speech Therapy.
16. Assists in proper care and distribution of department supplies and equipment, making recommendations for adequate inventory and appropriate and new equipment.
17. Participates in departmental meetings, which help to formulate policies, procedures and program development.

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities:

1. Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
2. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
3. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
4. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
5. Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.
6. Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
7. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

All responsibilities are essential job functions.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:

Required:
1. Master's Degree in Speech Pathology.
2. Current MA Speech Pathology license.
3. Member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Preferred:

Experience/Skills:

Required:
1. Must have a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience and a performance record that consistently exceeds expectations.
2. Effective verbal and written communication skill; demonstrated advanced clinical knowledge and ability to instruct / mentor others.
3. Excellent customer service skills and ability to work cooperatively with all members of the healthcare team.

Preferred:

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Department-specific competencies, including age-specific competencies and their measurements, will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be
maintained and attached to the departmental job description.Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.