Speech Language Pathologist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) provides assessment and treatment of speech, language, swallowing, social pragmatics, and cognitive disorders for patients with illness or injury. Duties related to patient care include administration and interpretation of formalized and informal assessments, planning and developing treatment programs for patients, education of the patient, family members and staff, documentation of assessment findings, recommendations and treatment plans, reporting to other members of the patient care team, and providing clinical treatment. Patient/client assessment, consultation, and treatment are conducted using broad guidelines, requiring a high degree of independence and innovation in decision-making.

Involving other health care team members is essential. The SLP practices in collaboration with other members of the health care team and demonstrates respectful interactions with patients/clients, colleagues, and others. Practice incorporates and emphasizes education to patients, clients, caregivers/families, and others. Occasional work may be required on weekends and holidays. The Clinician manages technical, environmental, and financial resources effectively. Problems encountered are of a moderate level of difficulty and can usually be solved by referring to program resources, subject matter experts, and/or management. General supervision and direction will be provided. Consultation with other staff is expected regularly. The SLP controls their own schedule and must problem solve how to meet patient care needs, and department, hospital, and professional standards regarding documentation of care.

The SLP works with a wide variety of internal and external constituents, including (but are not limited to) team members, staff and physicians, patients, caregivers/families, vendors, and insurance representatives. As a requirement of the position, the Clinician has regular access to and knowledge of the confidential medical history of patients/clients in their care. Documentation is required and is in accordance with professional and regulatory guidelines.

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluates and re-evaluates patients/clients using knowledge of the principles and methods of patient/client assessment and on-going reassessment to develop and modify effective assessments and treatment plans.
Uses available resources, including patient outcomes and past experiences, to guide patient/client assessment.
Using multiple sources, comprehensively assesses patient/client factors that impact treatment plan and outcome.
Selects appropriate assessment tests and measures to conduct patient/client assessment and re-assessment.
Administers tests and measures accurately, following standardized criteria if applicable. Modifies tests and measures based on patient/client needs.
Recognizes and incorporates precautions and contraindications for treatment.
Identifies impairments and their influence on patient/client performance.
Incorporates prioritized impairments to establish a therapy classification or therapy diagnosis that is specific to the patient/client.
With the patient/client and/or the patient/client's family/caregiver input, establishes goals that reflect anticipated outcomes.
Based on assessment and on-going reassessment, develops a treatment plan by selecting and modifying appropriate interventions.
Makes accurate predictions about patient/client outcomes.
In adherence to the profession's Code of Ethics, uses ethical reasoning to make decisions based on objective principles and values.
Is accountable and takes responsibility to identify and meet the needs of the patient/client. Seeks alternate strategies and/or other resources to make sure patient/client needs are met.
Provides and progresses therapeutic interventions to patients/clients that are safe, timely, effective, efficient, patient-centered, and equitable, in compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Demonstrates competency in treatment skills by completing institutional and program-specific competencies and consistently meets annual requirements.
Practices competently in accordance with professional practice standards and expectations.
Demonstrates effective visual, tactile, and auditory skills to aid with patient/client assessment/reassessment and intervention.
In accordance with patient/client need, selects treatment with consideration of resource utilization, including space, time, people, and equipment.
Recognizes cultural factors that may impact treatment and plan of care and accesses appropriate resources to meet cultural needs and maximize patient outcomes.
Identifies and provides appropriate strategies to educate patients so that environmental constraints, learning barriers, and cultural factors are addressed effectively.
Facilitates patient/client responsibility for self-care.
Progresses treatment interventions effectively.
Interventions take into account physical, behavioral, cognitive, and perceptual dysfunction and appropriate referrals to specialists are made, if needed.
Delegates treatment to appropriate clinical staff and provides necessary supervision.
Proactively identifies and communicates operational issues that impact clinical practice and actively participates or provides feedback to a committee or task force for improvement of clinical practice.
Advocates on behalf of patients to appropriate individuals and is aware of common patient needs for similar patient populations.
Consults with or refers to other colleagues/disciplines to meet patient/client needs.
Acts professionally to all individuals and in all situations.
Utilizes resources and seeks appropriate assistance to incorporate evidence-based practice into clinical decision making.
Demonstrates a commitment to continued learning by attending continuing education, reviewing the literature, and seeking other resources.
As opportunities exist, actively participates in student clinical education.
Able to critically appraise journal articles or other sources of evidence.
Advocates for the profession internally and externally.
Participates in at least two activities that extend beyond patient care, including administration, education, outreach, and/or research.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Licenses:

Wisconsin state license to practice as a Speech Language Pathologist required.
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology and certification in Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automatic External Defibrillator required within 3 months of hire.

Education:

Masters level degree in Speech Language Pathology or Communicative Disorders required.
Must have completed Clinical Speech Language Pathology Fellowship requirement.

Experience:

One year prior clinical experience required.
Experience in a medical setting as a Speech Language Pathology preferred.

Miscellaneous:

Valid driver's license and current vehicle insurance required.
Familiarity with a variety of equipment, including computer software, is required.
Organization, independence, time management, flexibility, and positive attitude are crucial to successful performance.

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