SPT0002 Speech Therapist PRN

Position Summary
Plans, administers and coordinates speech therapy treatments to patients from all age groups in order to maximize their potential physical functioning.  Performs Modified Barium Swallow evaluations in conjunction with the Radiology department.  Contributes to the development of speech therapy policies, setting of standards and revision of procedures as needed.  Works closely with family members to assure achievement of goals and continuity of care.  Provides documentation of patient progress, reassesses and modifies goals and treatments as needed.  

Qualifications/Experience
Education:
Graduate of accredited Speech Therapy Program.  Prefer Masters degree.   

Experience:  
May be a new graduate, but prefer 1 to 2 years of staff ST experience.  Experience with PPS system and ability to articulate skilled criteria a plus.  Experience/competency with Modified Barium Swallows preferred. 

Other Skills:  
Desirable characteristics include proficiency in written and verbal communication, proficiency with computerized documentation, and the ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public.   

Licenses/Certificate:
Licensed or eligible for license in the State of Arkansas.  Must hold a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA). 

Essential Job Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following Essential Duties satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties of the position, provided it does not create undue hardship on SARH.

Observe professional ethics in maintaining confidential information acquired regarding person, financial, medical or employment of patients, families, and employees of SARH.  
Must follow and enforce accepted safety practices for patients and SARH.  
Must report hazards and initiate appropriate action.  
Must participate in safety instructional programs.  
Possesses skills necessary to perform specific speech therapy procedures, including but not limited to: speech/language therapy, cognitive therapy, modified barium swallow evaluation, and bedside swallowing evaluation. 
Establishes functional, measurable, objective treatment goals for the patient. 
Consistently monitors treatment so that patient is re-evaluated and/or discharged at appropriate time.  
Documents involvement of family and patient in education of treatment program to improve safety, compliance and understanding of patient/family upon discharge. 
Maintains effective communications with physician by providing written evaluations, progress summaries and/or discharge summaries. 
Completes/maintains documentation in a timely manner per OP chart review and monthly billing list.
Completes accurate billing list daily so that accounts can be billed with no late charges. 
Works with Radiology, Scheduling, and Dietary to ensure Modified Barium Swallow evaluations are done timely and accurately. 
Assists with quality Improvement Plan of the department.   
Maintains effective communication with physicians, hospital staff, and patient/family.   
Notifies designated person of supply needs. 
Assists in maintaining a clean environment.
Works with other departments (PT, OT, Nursing, etc) to assure quality of care of the patient. 
Evaluates and treats inpatients on same day as referral.  
Evaluates and schedules treatment of outpatients in a timely fashion, preferably 3 days within referral. 
Always seeks guidance when in doubt about a patient, procedure, policy or any other concern.  
Consults with physician to clarify referrals, discuss patient response of care of the patient.  
Maintains continuous, effective interdepartmental communication by participation in discharge planning and coordination of patient care with nursing and other team members. 
Maintains commitment to professional growth and competency as documented by attendance at professional seminars and departmental in-services. 
Demonstrates good organizational skills.
Assists other staff and Director as needed. 
Utilizes good body mechanics.
Is professional with Director and supportive of the work/director of the department.  
Completes other duties as assigned by Director. 

This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties you may be asked to perform when they are assigned.