FITZGIBBON HOSPITAL

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Speech Language Pathologist JOB CODE: 155

THIS POSITION REPORTS TO: Rehabilitation Manager

SERVICE AREA: Rehabilitation Services

POSITION PURPOSE: Responsible for managing patients with acquired communication/cognition

and swallowing disorders, with expertise in inservicing a variety of population ages

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PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE JOB:

* Demonstrates expert clinical skills for the evaluation, differential diagnosis and

treatment of persons with acquired communication/cognitive and swallowing disorders.

- Administers and interprets standardized tests, clinical procedures and

observations, case histories and interviews to establish the

communicative/cognitive/swallowing diagnosis. Plans and implements an

appropriate, individualized treatment program based on the differential

diagnosis.

- Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care of service

appropriate to the age of the patients served on assigned unit.

- Demonstrates and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the

patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify

each patient's requirements relative to age-specific needs and to provide the

care needed as described in the unit's/area's/ department's policies and

procedures.

- Prepares attainable and measurable short-term and long-term goals with estimated

timeframes, and works toward these in a systematic way.

- Provides accurate documentation in a timely way.

- Monitors the patient to

determine the effectiveness of therapy through standardized means for objective

evaluation.

- Predicts and evaluates patient outcomes.

- Maintains knowledge of current professional literature and techniques in

evaluation and treatment of individuals with communication/cognitive and

swallowing problems.

* Customer Relations and Interpersonal Skills

- Requests patient staffings when pertinent to a patient's care.

- Attends and contributes ideas at patient staffings. Follows up by writing a

report.

- Serves as a communicant to an outside source when another setting for speech

therapy service is appropriate or necessary.

- Plans home programs, and updates them on a regular basis according to patient's

present needs.

- Continually educates patient and family by:

-- demonstrating therapy strategies and suggesting ways in which communication

/cognition and/or swallowing can be aided;

-- providing reading material appropriate to the patient's problem and to the

family's understanding;

-- answering family and patient's questions when appropriate or referring

questions to the appropriate person;

-- developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with colleagues,

physicians, other hospital staff and families.

- Maintains flexibility in scheduling and exchanges information which would aid in

patient's overall care.

- Develops and conducts inservice training for supportive staff in the hospital.

This includes lectures, handouts, audio-visual aids, and informal informational

meetings.

- Takes part in any public relations activities related to speech services, both

internal and external.

* Performs other duties as requested to keep department running smoothly.

- Suggests any needed changes in the Speech Pathology policies and procedures.

- Acts as a consultant to other staff.

- Assists in developing new programs based on research and clinical evidence of

effectiveness.

- Assists in developing and maintaining QM indicators.

- Serves on hospital committees when requested.

SAFETY:

* Identifies and resolves safety issues; actively identifies and takes appropriate

precautions following safety standards in the workplace for self and customers.

* Can identify the appropriate situation requiring PPE.

* Adheres to the employee safety plan and supports the effort to provide a safe

environment for patients and staff.

* Follows the Infection Control Plan specifically in the areas of: disposal of

infectious waste; reporting of infections; needle sticks; blood/mucous membrane

exposure; disinfection techniques.

* Demonstrates understanding of Life Safety, Equipment Management, Disaster

Preparedness, Security, Hazardous Materials and Utilities.

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

* Exhibits customer-focused behaviors which are consistent with the mission, vision,

value statements and the Patient's Bill of Rights.

* Demonstrates belief that there is nothing of greater value than our customers by

consistently ensuring high value of services with good outcomes and high customer

satisfaction. Ensures mature, ethical, and professional behavior by respecting

rights and opinions of others.

* Responds promptly to customer concerns and complaints; demonstrates proper telephone

etiquette; uses tact, sensitivity and sound judgment when relating with patients,

care givers, significant others, staff and other customers.

* Recognizes customer dissatisfaction, manages concerns quickly or contacts the

appropriate individual for follow-up.

* Accepts assignments in a positive manner; anticipates change with enthusiasm and well

thought-out opportunities for change; is a role model and mentor in the change

process.