Provides direct speech/language pathology services to patients of all ages who are referred to the department. Selects appropriate evaluation procedures and develops individualized treatment programs to restore or maximize each patient's functional skills.
Plans appropriate treatment programs for infants, children, adolescents and adults of all ages (depending on area of assignment) based on physician referral, evaluation results, patient/family goals and interests, sound clinical judgment and other pertinent available information. Responsible for maintaining a productive schedule with an average of 6.0 out of 8.0 hours per day scheduled for direct clinical care. Informs manager of openings and/or cancellations in their daily schedule. Administers daily treatment ensuring that the treatment plan is age appropriate and adjusted as necessary in order to the changing needs of the patient. Successfully completes all competency assessments pertaining to provision of patient care. Provides special services such as video swallow studies. Communicates with physicians, team members, other professionals, family members and caregivers for the purpose of sharing information that will assist in achieving optimum care for the patient. Establishes effective rapport with patients of all ages depending on assignment. Selects appropriate assistive devices for patients and provides appropriate instruction in the maintenance and use of such equipment. Provides education to the patient and family or significant others based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses learning readiness, preference and learning barriers. Determines when the patient will be ready for discharge. Recognizes the need for termination of treatment and effectively plans discharge which may include establishing home treatment plans and/or arranging for continued services. Administers and interprets initial assessments which determine the patient's status in the following areas of function: verbal expression, non-verbal communication, auditory comprehension, written expression, reading comprehension, cognition, swallowing skills and the need for swallowing precautions, articulation, fluency, voice and the need for augmentative systems. Selects appropriate assessment procedures to assess the abilities and limitations of patients of all ages, depending on area of assignment. Completes all documentation according to departmental policy. Performas other duties such as charge entry for all services rendered on the day delivered, maintaining a clean work environment and serving on departmental committees and in program development efforts as appropriate. May supervise speech pathology students and interns at the request of manager after obtaining Certificate of Clinical Competence.
