Speech Language Pathology Therapist

Job Summary :

Provides direct patient care to members having communication and swallowing disorders by evaluating, diagnosing, developing and implementing therapy / treatment programs.

Essential Responsibilities :

Upholds Kaiser Permanente's Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal and local laws.

Administers diagnostic tests and provides individualized treatment to adults and children for a variety of communication disorders, voice and swallowing impairment and neurological defects.

Advises physicians of test results and subsequently recommends and implements appropriate treatments.

Monitors status of results and collaborates with physicians when altering treatment program.

Serves as a consultant on interdisciplinary teams.

Serves as a clinical expert in specialized areas such as pediatric speech, traumatic brain injury, etc.

Trains CFY candidates.

Ensures compliance with TJC, federal, state, and local requirements.

May participate in the development of department policies and procedures.

Develops protocols and treatment programs within specialized areas.

Develops and presents in service programs in area of specialty.

Performs diagnostic clinical swallowing evaluations on a diversified patient population, including adults and children with a wide variety of neurologic and medical diagnosis and surgical histories.

Interpret and report the results of evaluations / tests to referring physicians, therapists and other medical staff.

Participates in the design and implementation of therapy programs addressing speech / language voice and swallowing problems for a diversified patient population.

Documents patients progress; maintains accurate records.

Adjusts program to improve effectiveness.

Meets client needs and determines further courses of treatment or intervention that may be necessary.

Performs diagnostic voice evaluations on a diversified patient population.

Interprets and reports results and provides recommendations regarding the need for further evaluation or services in the area of speech and pathology when appropriate.

Administers and analyzes test results to determine patients' communicative abilities; examines patients' medical history, neurological ad psychological test results in order to determine necessary therapy.

Treats speech and language impairments such as functional articulatory disorders, stuttering, voice problems, delayed speech and organic disorder including cleft palate, cerebral palsy, aphasia and impaired hearing.

Interprets findings and treatment to patients' families, teachers or other concerned parties; provides guidance and counseling.

Plans and conducts remedial programs designed to improve or restore communicative facility.

Administers treatment in individual or group sessions with patients; may refer patients to specialists in medicine, dentistry, psychology education or related areas.

Writes report on diagnostic findings, therapy used, and progress made.

Provides in-service training in the basic elements of speech therapy to members of the health care staff and supervises the development and treatments of Speech Pathology Assistants.

Keeps abreast of developments in the field of speech therapy by attending professional seminars and workshops.

Establishes and maintains courteous cooperative relations with other departments and other personnel.

Demonstrates professional competence in assessing patient's condition at the onset and through all phases of the speech pathology program.

Demonstrates professional competence in the planning and implementation of treatment program / plan.

Demonstrates professional competence and rehabilitative techniques particular to the speech pathology field.

Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications :

Experience

~ Minimum one (1) year clinical experience in Speech Pathology.

Education

~ Masters or Doctorate Degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited program.

License, Certification, Registration

~ Speech-Language Pathologist License (California) required at hire

~ National Provider Identifier required at hire

~ Basic Life Support required at hire from American Heart Association

Additional Requirements :

Knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory requirements.

Ability to demonstrate knowledge and to utilize theories, principles, practices, techniques and methods of Speech Therapy.

Preferred Qualifications :

~ Minimum one (1) year clinical experience in dysphagia management.

Notes :