Speech Lang Pathologist - Full time - Pediatric Center, DC

The Staff Outpatient Speech Language Pathologist administers speech therapy services as ordered by a physician and in accordance with accepted practices of speech therapy. He/she is responsible for evaluating, planning and implementing speech therapy services for the outpatient population.

Qualifications:Minimum Education
Master's Degree Speech-Language Pathology from an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredited institution (Required)

Required Licenses and Certifications
Speech-Language Pathologist Current/eligible for District of Columbia Upon Hire (Required)Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Upon Hire (Required)
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association or in process of certification through a current clinical fellowship (Required)

Job FunctionsEssential job duties:

• Perform and document pertinent evaluation results, including patient and/or family interview, observation, objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings within timeframes consistent with department policy.

• Discuss evaluation results with patient/caregiver and appropriate healthcare team members and respond to questions appropriately.

• Refer patient to appropriate practitioner if the diagnosis is outside scope of expertise.

• Set measurable and realistic short and/or long-term goals based on patient's medical status, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s), discharge plans and patient/family input.

• Utilize outcome measurement tools as per established guidelines.

• Effectively and independently provide speech therapy services according to professional standards, HSC regulations, including Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) which focus on patient safety, function, pain tolerance/level, goals, etc.

• Periodically re-evaluate and modify treatment plan and goals as indicated based on patient's medical status, response to treatment, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s) and discharge plans.

• Involve patient/family and/or other caregiver(s), including expectations and limitations, in goal development and plan of care to include discharge planning. Complete and/or communicate needs for equipment, follow- up care and/or home modifications by time of discharge.

• Assess and identify discharge planning needs with consideration of patient's medical, psychological, behavioral and socioeconomic status as well as anticipated therapeutic outcome(s).

• Plan, attend, and/or lead community reintegration outings when appropriate.

• Follow established documentation policies and guidelines regarding initial evaluations, treatment/progress notes, teaching records, and discharge summaries as set forth by the department.

• Instruct/encourage patient, family members and/or caregiver(s) involvement in therapeutic activities (e.g. feeding guidelines, language stimulation techniques, equipment use and care).

• Demonstrate productivity at the discretion of the Program Manager, averaging 62.5%.

• Provide in-services for department/unit staff as appropriate.

• Responsible for supporting the speech therapy clinical education program. Oversee students as assigned.

• Oversee Speech Language Pathology clinical fellows as assigned.

• Assist with the development and/or revision of departmental policies and procedures.

• As appropriate, effectively handle administrative/shared responsibilities.

• Make suggestions regarding purchase of new equipment and supplies, when necessary.

• Maintain equipment and supplies in a clean and orderly condition.

• Demonstrate familiarity with all policies and procedures of the hospital and the department.

• Complete required or necessary orientation, annual training and in-services. Ensure all competencies are maintained.

• Maintain skills, licensure, regulatory requirements and credentials needed to perform assigned duties.

• Ensure timely and cooperative inter- and intra-departmental relationships and communications throughout the hospital/ hospital system and with individuals external to the hospital/ hospital system.

• Assist with the monitoring and evaluation process for important aspects of care for the department via performance improvement programs.

• Facilitate and support department compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations and standards, including those governing professional practice. Assume responsibility for meeting requirements specified by The Joint Commission/DOH and other relevant regulatory agencies and organizations.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrates understanding of quality of service and collaborates with co-workers to ensure excellence standard is achieved

• Innovates through improvement of care and/or efficiency of operational processes.

• Dedicated to a standard of performance excellence and high quality

• Embraces changes/improvements and actively participates in the implementation of new/improved programs, technology, new equipment, systems and resources that promote quality of care, safety and efficiency

• Identifies, prioritizes and selects alternative solutions to determine best outcome

• Maintains a high level of activity/productivity, meeting deadlines and appropriately prioritizing tasks to meet business demands

• Anticipates problems and attempts to solve before they develop

• None

• Category II: Job may expose incumbent occasionally or in emergency situations to blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or tissue specimens.

• Level IV - Full Access Incumbents in this job may access any protected health information associated to a customer's needs, the service(s) rendered and the position's functions.

• This job operates in a hospital or office environment.

• Light Work: Lifting 25 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs.