Speech Pathologist II

Job ID:

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

Speech Language Pathologists assigned to treat pediatric patients at LPCHS provide intervention to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with disorders that affect development of behavioral skills within the professional scope of practice. The Speech Pathologist II is a senior therapist with expertise and experience in developing treatment plans for complex cases and for a wide variety of ages and diagnoses, utilizing and applying innovative and advanced skills and techniques to solve patient care needs in an accurate and efficient manner. The Speech Pathologist II takes a leadership role in multidisciplinary care team discussions, representing and recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for the needs of the patient. The clinician serves as a clinical care advisor/guide to less experienced therapists by answering questions, reviewing treatment plans and collaborating to develop and implement complex speech therapy care plans. Supervises patient care responsibilities speech pathology students/interns and Rehabilitation Aides and orients and mentors staff when appropriate. Participates in program development, performance improvement, development of departmental policies and procedures, and other specialized programs. Provides diagnostic evaluations and treatment for patients with communication disorders, including speech, hearing and language problems. Addresses articulation, fluency and voice and utilizes augmentative and alternative communications systems for patient to improve communication skills when indicated. Evaluates and treats cognitive deficits, and evaluates swallowing disorders at the bedside by video fluoroscopy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

* Alleviates impairment and functional limitation by designing, implementing and modifying therapeutic interventions appropriate to patient's diagnosis, impairments and prognosis; Adapts treatment plans based on continuous assessment, progress made and patient goals.
* Develops appropriate treatment plans that include specific treatment methods, duration and frequency of treatment, and goals; Selects and administers appropriate assessment and treatment techniques.
* Performs age appropriate competency skills in area of practice and with respect to individual patient's problems.
* Discharges patient from treatment when appropriate with adequate discharge planning including equipment procurement and family training, and communicates this appropriately to patient, family and health care team.
* Identifies departmental performance improvement issues and participates in performance improvement activities, e.g. chart reviews, revision of documentation forms, workflow studies, etc.
* Regularly re-evaluates patient care services and programs, and completes assignments in the departmental plan to improve services.
* Contributes to the development of departmental policies and procedures.
* Participates in new program development, for example by developing treatment protocols for new patient populations.
* Identifies needs for equipment repair or upgrade to maintain quality of care.
* Makes recommendations for selection and purchase of specific equipment and supplies.
* In conjunction with medical team, completes effective differential diagnosis and interprets diagnostic findings of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disabilities.
* Initiates and participates in a leadership role in the multidisciplinary care planning to meet the needs of each patient and family, including participation in rounds and patient care conferences, communicating with and teaching other care providers.
* Performs off-site visits and contacts community agencies as necessary to provide continuity of service between hospital and community.
* Organizes and maintains a patient caseload consistent with department productivity standards.
* Informs supervisor if problems arise related to the delivery of patient care or caseload volume.
* Ensures documentation and billing are timely, accurate and complete, including precautions, monthly and discharge summaries.
* Participates in clinical teaching, including the clinical instruction of speech pathology interns and other staff.
* Prepares and presents an in-service (at least one per year) at a department meeting.
* Provides input regarding the educational needs of the staff and serves as a resource in meeting those needs. With the support of the supervisor, may initiate clinical research within area of clinical expertise.
* Provides mentoring to others when appropriate and serves as a role model/resource/teacher/mentor to less experienced occupational therapists.
* Participates in Department, team, and discipline and/or unit meetings.
* Performs all necessary patient care documentation, including assessment, plan of care, progress notes, discharge summaries, and charges for evaluation and treatment.
* Documentation reflects patient status, progress or change, participation by patient and family in goal setting and delivery of care.
* Performs complex patient care tasks under minimal supervision with advanced skills in clinical reasoning, problem-solving and treatment interventions.
* Assesses and treats patients within the CA Licensing Board and the American Speech and Hearing Association scope of practice, including, but not limited to cognitive and perceptual status, swallow evaluation and treatment, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, voice, equipment procurement, and family training and education.
* Provides direct patient care that meets department and professional standards of practice, including patient assessment, development of speech pathology care plan, patient treatment, family/caregiver training and discharge planning. May serve as a clinician in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Requirement met by License/Certification Requirement.

Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

License/Certification:

• Speech Pathologist in California
• Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
• or
• RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support

KNOWLEDGE

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

* Ability to apply advanced clinical skills in treating difficult and complex cases.
* Ability to clinically supervise, train and evaluate students/interns.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to develop and document clearly and accurately treatment goals that are realistic, measurable, appropriate, functionally based and that include patient/family input.
* Ability to provide appropriate care and progress treatment based on professional standards of practice, and on the needs of the specific individual, including age and developmental considerations, cultural and psychosocial issues, precautions and medical condition.
* Ability to resolve conflicts that interfere with patient care or work responsibilities in a respectful and constructive manner.
* Ability to utilize sound clinical reasoning to determine appropriate patient interventions; demonstrates good safety awareness, judgment and problem analysis and resolution.
* Knowledge and adherence to Code of Ethics and performance standards specific to the clinician's professional organization.
* Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.
* Knowledge of legal issues affecting the clinical practice.
* Knowledge of pathologies and injuries which result in speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disabilities.
* Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment and theory of the practice of clinical specialty.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information

Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $56.80 to $71.00