Speech/Lang Path (MHO)

Reports to Therapy Department Leadership. Provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients with speech, language, cognitive, swallow impairment and/or other neurogenic communication disorders in the adult and/or pediatric population. Participates in departmental programs, activities and serves as a role model of quality clinical practice. Serves as a resource to staff, rehabilitation teams and Interns. MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Clinical Practice:

• Completes appropriate assessment per physician's orders and diagnosis.
• Develops individualized treatment plan including time based functional goals.
• Reassesses the patient and modifies treatment plan appropriately with respect to objective findings.
• Communicates directly with physician regarding any requests for changes to physician prescribed therapy.
• Assures prescription is current.
• Oversees and supervises patient treatment planning with therapy assistants.
• Follows all practice act and regulatory guidelines for assistant supervision and patient management.
• Begins D/C planning at the time of evaluation.
• Incorporates skills learned at continuing education/in-services into daily practice.
• Utilizes a variety of appropriate evidence based treatment techniques through individualized treatment planning to optimize outcomes.
• Instructs patient/family in therapeutic activities, provides hand-out when appropriate, and documents in the medical records.
• Communicates with patients and families in a way that is professional and appropriate to their level of understanding and need.

Department Operations:

• Productivity expectation for assigned area is met.
• Actively and appropriately participates in meetings, program development, special projects, performance improvement, etc.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in managing caseload on a daily basis.
• Proactively seeks to assist others when personal caseload is less than productivity expectation.
• Holds self accountable for all information related to policy and regulatory guidelines presented in meetings, in-services, in writing and verbally.
• Accepts responsibility/accountability and performs daily support activities when those personnel are not available.
• Meets all defined deadlines (license, CPR, mandatory ins., TB).
• Collaborates with all disciplines/ancillary personnel to effectively manage patients.
• Team norms are consistently followed for communication.
• When giving direction to support personnel, expectations are made clear.

Documentation:

• Adheres to department policy times frames for completion of all paperwork (evaluations, notes and D/C summary).
• Completes within established guidelines, all documentation related to patient assessment tools used for outcomes and or regulatory compliance.
• Documentation includes appropriate detail to support all billing charges and is completed in a timely fashion to meet payor requirements for prior authorization, and continuation of treatment.
• Content of all documentation is complete and appropriate for diagnosis and condition (i.e. objective functional measures, special tests and minutes).
• Signs/cosigns documentation appropriately per practice act and policy.

Professional Development:

• Maintains professional membership and is encouraged to participate in organizational activities and meetings.
• After attending continuing education, presents an in-service that will enhance staff knowledge and skills, improve patient management, patient outcomes and promote fiscally responsible patient management.
• Serves as a clinical resource related to rehabilitation therapy for other staff throughout the organization and community.
• Maintains knowledge of clinical practice through literature review.
• Provides supporting reference articles when presenting in-services, case presentations, etc.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department:

• Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology. Speech Language Pathology license in the State of Indiana is required. Previous acute care, in-patient rehab and out-patient treatment is beneficial.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires familiarity with use of modalities and equipment needed to complete standard treatments offered.
• Requires tact and discretion when working with patients, families, and physicians.
• Must maintain current BLS certification.

Working Conditions

• At risk for occupational exposure to infectious diseases.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Sufficient balance and strength necessary in standing to ensure patient safety while performing swallow studies.