Speech Language Pathologist

Definition:

The Speech-Language Pathologist supervises and participates in the application of therapeutic techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with speech and language disorders, hearing disorders and oral myofunctional disorders.

Line of Authority:

Director of Therapy Services, Administrator/Director of Services

Qualifications:

1. Must have a master’s degree from an approved curriculum in Speech Pathology, or its equivalent.
2. Must have a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SP) from the American Speech and Hearing Association or be eligible for a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY).
3. Must be licensed in the state or states in which he/she will work.

Performance Requirements:

1. Able to transfer, lift and guard patients safely with appropriate assistance.
2. Able to bend, stoop, squat and lift numerous times daily (70 – 80 lbs) in the care of patients and use of equipment.
3. Able to carry out fine motor skills with manual dexterity.
4. Mental acuity and judgment skills to adequately and safely perform job requirements.
5. Able to see and hear adequately in order to respond to auditory and visual needs and clinical indications of the patients.
6. Able to learn, absorb and apply professional training.
7. Able to organize work procedures, assume responsibility and tactfully supervise others.
8. Able to speak in a clear, concise voice in order to communicate adequately.
9. Able to read, write and edit documentation.
10. Must have reliable personal transportation.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Directs and supervises the Communication Disorders Service Department.
2. Provides evaluations and therapy as ordered by the referring physician and recommends an appropriate treatment program for the physician’s approval.
3. Evaluates, plans, and carries out therapy programs, including the establishment of goals for patients as referred and approved by the physician, with periodic re-evaluations.
4. Participates in the in-service training program for the HomeCare personnel.
5. Consults with the HomeCare staff concerning communication problems of patients not receiving speech pathology services.
6. Conducts or contributes to speech pathology related CQI studies as requested..
7. Maintains patient care records as designated by the HomeCare agency assuring that third party reimbursement qualifications are met, as well as all state/federal requirements.
8. Consults with family members, physicians and other health care professionals as appropriate.
9. Participates in interdisciplinary conferences to maintain continuity of patient care.
10. Serves as Utilization Review and/or Advisory Board Member as requested by the Administrator/Director.
11. Maintains knowledge base of HomeCare Speech-Language Pathology procedures and regulations as well as professional standards through attendance at workshops, in-services and individual research and reading.