Speech Language Pathologist

Description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
The Speech Language Pathologist will hold a caseload of clients. The number of clients depends on the severity of the case and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. This position is responsible for identifying students with communication disabilities, and planning and implementing appropriate treatment to minimize the disabilities’ impact on their success. It is also imperative that the SLP work closely with the BCBA/BCaBA overseeing the client. The ability to lead and manage staff, provide clinical oversight and supervision, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times is critical for this position. Speech Language Pathologists are expected to bill and submit all notes within a timely manner.

All work is performed safely, effectively, to the highest ethical standards, in compliance with regulatory and accrediting standards, and in accordance with ethical codes and Dominion Care’s mission and vision.

COMPETENCIES
Initiative
Takes action without being asked or required to; achieves goals beyond job requirements; being proactive; taking prompt action to accomplish objectives.
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
Possesses, acquires, and maintains the technical/professional expertise required to do the job effectively and to create client/customer solutions.

Technical/professional expertise is demonstrated through problem solving, applying professional judgment, and competent performance.

Work Standards
Sets high standards and well-defined, realistic goals for one’s self; displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervisor; is motivated to achieve.

Customer/Client Focus
Makes customers/clients and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; shows interest in and understanding of the needs and expectations of internal and external customers (including direct reports); gains customer trust and respect; meets or exceeds customer expectations.

Collaboration
Builds constructive working relationships with clients/customers, other work units, community organizations and others to meet mutual goals and objectives. Behaves professionally and supportively when working with individuals from a variety of ethnic, social and educational backgrounds.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
• Active “Speech-Language Pathology License” issued by Virginia Department of Health Professions
• Master’s Degree in speech-language pathology
• Experience working with children with autism or other special needs
• Experience working in an environment utilizing applied behavior analysis methodology (preferred)
• Valid Virginia driver’s license and excellent driving record

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
• Interprets medical reports and goals within the scope of his/her experience for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment and intervention plans are appropriate
• Administers hearing or speech/language evaluations, tests, and/or examinations to students to collect information on type and degree of impairment
• Evaluates hearing and speech/language test results, and medical or background information, to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice and/or swallowing disorders
• Develops and implements treatment plans based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists and social workers
• Provides speech and language therapy to students for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of speech and language disorders on their success
• Instructs clients in techniques for more effective communication, including sign language, lip reading and voice improvement
• Clinically manage skill acquisition and parent training through electronic client records management system, and adjusts treatment accordingly.
• Provide regular parent training and maintain parent communication to ensure services are effectively impacting families.
• Instructs Dominion Care Staff, Clinicians, clients (as applicable) and family members in strategies to cope with or avoid communication-related misunderstandings.
• Conducts lessons, and directs educational or therapeutic games to assist clinicians dealing with speech problems.
• Participates in meetings—training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.—for the purpose of conveying and/or providing information.
• Refers clients to additional medical or educational services if needed.
• Evaluates work processes and methods, and submits recommendations for continuous quality improvement
• Assist with all intake and discharge planning activities including preparing documents to ensure client insurance authorizations and reauthorizations of services.
• Coordinate with other service providers working with clients to encourage consistency among client families/caregivers and all providers.
• Lead and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
• Lead employees to accomplish all job objectives; inspires confidence and motivation; clearly defines expectations, and maintains personal effectiveness under pressure.
• Demonstrates appropriate delegation and coordination of tasks and duties in the operations of the program, using appropriate organizational/priority setting skills.
• Completes all paperwork and documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures and acceptable clinical practices within designated timeframes.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures and complete other tasks deemed necessary for the successful operation of the program.
• Remain current in evidence based practices by participating in continuing education activities.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety
rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Relationship Skills: Ability to quickly establish rapport and communicate effectively with persons of all backgrounds. Ability to establish positive working relationships with persons at all levels in the organization.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to work effectively in stressful situations. Excellent time management skills.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear using the English language. The employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands/fingers to touch, handle and/or reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to run, stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or sit and rise from the floor unassisted. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Employee must be physically capable of participating in all aspects of Safety Care procedures, including restraints.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSBILITY
This position is directly responsible for leading staff.

TRAVEL/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
Some travel is expected to further the needs of the business.

OTHER DUTIES
The job description is not designed to cover and contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
• Active “Speech-Language Pathology License” issued by Virginia Department of Health Professions
• Master’s Degree in speech-language pathology
• Experience working with children with autism or other special needs
• Experience working in an environment utilizing applied behavior analysis methodology (preferred)
• Valid Virginia driver’s license and excellent driving record

Salary : $80,000 - $85,000