BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Responsible for providing speech, language and oral motor/feeding diagnostic and therapy services in accordance with state and federal regulations and standards of practice as set forth by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).

REPORTS TO

• Manager of home department and Director of Rehabilitation Services

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: Masters required.

Degree: Degree in Speech Pathology required.  

License/Certification Required: Eligible for State of Tennessee licensure. Either Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology or eligible for Clinical Fellowship (CF).

Minimum Work Experience: Practicum or previous work experience with pediatrics preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong diagnostic and therapy skills.
• Knowledge of typical and atypical development of all aspects of communication and feeding.
• Computer skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Completes evaluations of assigned patients in accordance with the established standards of care and practice: Independently performs consultations/evaluations on patients according to best practices and departmental standards, Identifies needs and strengths that reflect an accurate assessment of the patient’s status, per documentation, Completes comprehensive assessment based on provider’s order, patient’s medical and developmental status, Completes reassessment for patients whose care is ongoing, Makes appropriate decisions regarding care based on patient readiness and ability to participate, Assists other therapists via case review, demonstration, and mentoring to enhance assessment skills in area of expertise, Suggests adding new standardized measure and outcome tools as they become available and have applicability to patient population.
• Develops a Plan of Care to promote optimum function and safety as documented in the clinical record: Partners with patients and caregivers to establish goals for Plan of Care based on an episodic care model, Establishes interventions and specific measurable outcomes that are consistent with identified needs and strengths, Identifies goals, outcomes and timeframes that are realistic, measurable and address functional needs and strengths, Assists other therapists to design and implement episodes of care in collaboration with the patient/family, Modifies and updates the plan of care based on patient progress and caregiver input, Supports modifications to the plan or care with documentation of clinical decision-making in reports, notes and progress summaries.
• Provides skilled therapy, reassessing patient status during each session ensuring quality of care: Selects and performs therapeutic techniques that are appropriate to patient’s needs and medical status, reflecting therapist’s clinical knowledge and theory. Provides patient/caregiver education regarding treatment, precautions and equipment use and documents patient/caregiver understanding/demonstration provided. Plans discharge at evaluation and throughout the course of treatment based on patient response, caregiver goals, participation and progress. Prepares the patient and family for episodic transition and discharge from therapy and provides education to determine if/when follow-up therapy services are indicated. Develops/revises competencies and plans that utilize current therapy standards of care for a variety of patient conditions and populations and family-centered planning and informed decision making. Identifies new/revised treatment tools and approaches and assists in implementation when appropriate. Independently manages own patient schedule with efficiency and timeliness. Manages unforeseen events with confidence and professionalism.
• Completes all documentation of services per department standards: Independently writes clear, concise, relevant and inclusive documentation that facilitates communication of the patient’s status and ongoing needs. Therapist adheres to all procedures and documentation standards per Rehabilitation standard operating procedures. Submits accurate and complete charges for each day and reconciles charges with provider billing report daily. Completes communication information tools (i.e. spreadsheets, data collection forms, documentation self-assessments and peer reviews within established timelines.
• Coordinates patient care with other clinical team members ensuring optimal patient care and communication as noted in the clinical record: Identifies the need for and mak