Speech Pathologist

Location: Mercy Health St. Vincent

SUMMARY:

Responsible for the evaluation, planning, and treatment of all patients referred for speech/language pathology treatments to restore function and prevent disability following disease or injury. Assists patients to obtain maximum performance and function in society while learning to live within the constraints of their disability.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Communicates openly and at an appropriate level with others to achieve a working relationship with peers, patients, families, physicians, and other professional staff.

2. Performs accurate patient evaluations upon Physician referral, including swallowing examinations, and communicates results promptly to all appropriate members of the health care team.

3. Prepares reports related to speech/language pathology activities including performance improvement activities, and provides input during the departmental budget process.

4. Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates the effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching as appropriate.

5. Develops and implements effective treatment programs in consultation with physicians. Treats patients by speech/language pathology standard of care and practice.

6. Intercedes for the patient when dietary revisions are necessary to prevent aspiration.

7. Maintains accurate and complete documentation in all settings where he/she provides speech/language therapy services and ensures proper billing of patients treated by him/her.

8. Assists in data collection for the Rehabilitation and Wellness Quality Improvement Program.

9. Fulfills role as education: education patients and families (as documented on appropriate education to affiliated students, preparing and presenting in-services to staff, hospital, and community to promote staff development and/or improve outreach awareness.

10. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of Departmental, Administrative Functions, and Emergency Preparedness Policy and Procedures.

11. Attends annual in-service (Education/Orientation Day).

12. Adheres to hospital dress code policies. Appearance is professional

13. Provides age-appropriate care for the following age groups: Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric.

14. Maintains confidentiality of patient and personnel information per hospital policy.

15. Keeps scheduled appointments.

16. Demonstrates behaviors consistent with the Mission and Core Values (Compassion, Excellence, Human Dignity, Justice, Sacredness of Life, Service) of Mercy.

17. Adheres to the standards and policies of the Corporate Responsibility Program, including the duty to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and reporting to the designated Manager (or employer hotline) any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices.

18. Embraces Standards of Behavior to provide and promote excellent customer service for both internal and external customers. Holds self and others accountable for behaviors that promote service excellence.

19. Adheres to all standards and policies regarding safety/patient safety initiatives.

20. Is responsible for all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess a Masters's Degree from an approved college or school of Speech/Language Pathology.

• 
  Current state licensure in speech pathology (as Speech Pathologist).
• 
  Knowledge of principles and practice of Speech Pathology and performing technical skills related to Speech Pathology.
• 
  Current BCLS certification (CPR)
• 
  Ability to read and communicate effectively in the English language, including verbally, in writing, and on the telephone.
• 
  Basic computer knowledge.
• 
  Requires a valid driver’s license with no serious traffic violations (as defined by the MHP insurance provider).
• 
  Position requires corrected vision, corrected hearing, use of two hands and two feet, standing, bending, stooping kneeling, twisting, reaching, and lifting to 50 lbs., and pushing/pulling up to 40 lbs.