Major Responsibilities:

• Performance of diagnostic evaluations in a thorough and timely manner in accordance with established departmental and professional standards and procedures resulting in clinical accurate diagnosis.
  • Collects pertinent patient historical information.
  • Selects and administers appropriate test instruments, including those used for evaluating speech, language, cognition, voice, articulation and bedside swallowing.
  • Analyzes and interprets test results.
• Formulation and provision of individualized treatment/discharge plans for patients based upon the results of diagnostic evaluations, prognosis, case histories as well as discussion with patient, family, physicians, case managers and other caregivers.
• Develops functional, realistic achievable long-term goals that reflect the patients potential and interest.
  • Develops measurable short-term goals and revises and upgrades them as patient progresses through treatment.
  • Provides treatment consistent with patients skills and modifies treatment as indicated to attain goals.
  • Develops discharge plan at initial evaluation and revises discharge plan in collaboration with patient, family, physician, other caregivers and case managers.
  • Demonstrates appropriate psychosocial interventions based on age and development status.
  • Evaluates environmental safety and provides environment that is safe based on age and development status.
  • Makes recommendations for appropriate transitions within a continuum of care and follow-up activities.
• Communication of patient related information to nursing and other healthcare providers to facilitate continuity of care and implementation of treatment recommendations.
  • Confers with patients, physician and nursing associates.
  • Prepares and maintains patient reports, progress notes and related records in a thorough, organized accurate and timely manner.
  • Documents according to guidelines set for the by Accrediting Organization, CARF, ASHA, managed care and rehabilitative services.
• Provision of information and guidance to patients and families regarding the nature and severity of communication or swallowing disorders, current treatment programs, prognosis for recovery, techniques designed to enhance carry over of desired behaviors and any safety or ethical issues related to patient's deficits.
  • Assesses patient/family knowledge and understanding to determine at what level teaching is to be implemented.
  • Teaches and reinforces knowledge providing literature as needed.
  • Evaluates effectiveness of teaching program.
• Understanding the impact managed care has on provision of speech-language pathology services.
  • Stays abreast of primary managed care therapy coverage and benefits.
  • Incorporates and modifies treatment plans according to an individual patients benefits.
• Participation in professional development.
  • Attends in-services within the department as well as outside conferences.
  • Keeps informed of changes occurring within rehabilitative services and Advocate Healthcare.
  • Shares information obtained at continuing education events with peers.
• Participation in on going process improvement, quality assurance and safety programs.
  • Provides data and/or input required for quality assurance indicators.
  • Participates on process improvement teams.
  • Evaluates environmental safety and provides environment that is safe based on age and development status.
  • Follows hospital infection control and safety protocols.
  • Ensures equipment calibration and maintenance procedures.
• Assumes other related responsibilities as assigned.

Licensure:

• Speech Language Pathologist

Education/Experience Required:

• * Masters degree in Speech Pathology * 1-2 years experience * Passes ASHA certification exam * Coursework in dysphasia evaluations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• * Good communication skills * General knowledge of diagnostic and treatment tools

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• * May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases * Direct contact with body fluids * Weekends, early evening hours and holidays * Work off-campus locations. This position requires travel, therefore, will be exposed to weather and road conditions. Incorporates the provision of cultural and age specific needs while exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses. Primary interaction would be with adult individuals.
• This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Addendum: ADDENDUM TO JOB DESCRIPTIONS RELATED TO PATIENT SAFETY Report patient safety events and near misses in timely fashion Adhere to all behavioral and procedural patient safety practices Promote culture of safety through identifying threats to patient safety and intervening to prevent patient harm Communicate openly and promote team work Report intimidating behavior and other threats to patient safety promptly

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.