Speech Pathologist - Skilled Nursing Unit - Part Time

Position Summary :

The incumbent shall be responsible for providing a full range of speech therapy services including assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic interventions in an interdisciplinary environment consistent with the position's qualifications, professional practices and ethical standards. The incumbent shall also demonstrate accountability for and contribution to program development, quality improvement, problem solving, and productivity enhancement in a flexible interdisciplinary fashion.

Education, License & Cert :

The incumbent shall possess a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders. American Speech‐Language‐ Hearing Association (ASHA) certification required unless the incumbent is completing a Clinical Fellowship year. Current licensure in the state of practice is required. Current BLS Certification mandated.

Experience :

The incumbent shall, at a minimum, be a graduate of an accredited school with a Master's of Science in Speech‐Language Pathology. Current licensure in the state of primary practice is required. Current dual licensure in New York and Pennsylvania is preferred. Certificate of Clinical Competency is preferred however a Clinical Fellowship Year candidate may be considered. Education / experience in working with pediatric, adult and geriatric population with communication disabilities and or dysphagia is preferred. Current CPR certification is mandated.

Essential Functions :

1. Communicates and demonstrate a professional image / attitude for patients, families, clients, coworkers, and others.

2. Conduct initial assessments, chooses the appropriate assessment tools, adaptive equipment and materials used in the assessment based on the age and the development level of the patient. Patient assessment is completed in the medical record as outlined in policy and procedure. Data is documented in the appropriate areas.

3. Develop individualized treatment plans, short and long term goals are written objectively and are measurable, specifically related to a functional deficit if ongoing treatment planned within a specific time frame. Interventions are selected based on assessment results and are appropriate for age, cognitive abilities and / or development level of the patient.

4. Evaluate patient response to treatment. Patient response to the treatment plan is evaluated as evidenced by patient achievement of goals and / or goal revision, the treatment plan is updated as needed. Information is provided to patient / family regarding current status, program planning and discharge plans throughout the rehabilitation program.

5. Document the course of patient care including progress made to justify need for skilled intervention versus lack of progress and further clinical recommendation communicated with referring providers. Interventions and effects are documented daily according to policy and procedure. Daily progress notes are completed according to policy and procedure. Progress notes in outpatient are to be completed at least every 10 visits and / or per state practice act. Appropriate capture of charges related to treatment provided. Discharge summaries are completed according to policy and procedures.

6. Provide patient and family education on tasks and resources that will assist with continued functional independence. Integrates family members into the treatment, educational and discharge planning process for a safe transition home, and to ensure continued care needs are met. Effectiveness of education measured by peer input, family verbal feedback and patient satisfaction surveys and quality metrics. Educational methods are adapted to meet patient and family education needs. Participates with multidisciplinary team, as needed, in all aspects of discharge planning including determination of appropriate next level of care.

7. Participating in continuing education / professional development activities. Attends / presents at departmental in‐service sessions as scheduled. Attends external professional growth activities as scheduled and communicates information to the team.

8. Adhere to policies and practices of applicable federal and state guidelines, professional organizations, entity facilities and entity specific policies. Is familiar with and acts according to contents of applicable professional code, employee / handbook, unit Policy & Procedure and organizational policies.

9. Meets established organizational productivity standards within a fiscally responsible manner.

Other Duties :

1. Other duties as assigned.

2. All equipment and duties within the Speech Therapy Department listed in the Competency.