Speech and Language Pathologist

Position Description Job Codes: 2FB Park Nicollet Health Services Position Title: 2FB, N2FB Speech and Language Pathologist Patient Care 2BEB Speech and Language Pathologist Development 2DC Speech and Language Pathologist Sr 2BEH Speech and Language Pathologist Development Certified Location: Park Nicollet Health Services Department: Speech Pathology Written by: N. Speier, Director Supervisor’s Title: Supervisor or Manager, Speech and Language Pathology Final Approval (Dir. or VP Level): N. Speier, Director of Rehab –PNHS Date Approved: January 2003 Date Revised: January 2020, Sept 2020 Statement of Employee Conduct: As a team member, you will support the mission, vision, and values of Park Nicollet Health Services and will be familiar with and abide by all PNHS policies and procedures. You will also be expected to comply with job-specific standards and embody the competencies of Head + Heart, Together which include; 1) achieving positive outcomes and goals; 2) demonstrating care for others and having their well-being at heart; and 3) succeeding through partnerships and as a member of a team HealthPartners and its related organizations are committed to fulfilling their mission, vision and values in an environment that promotes the highest organizational and personal integrity and reinforces public trust. In order to accomplish these goals, HealthPartners must maintain an effective program of compliance and ethics that has been developed with input from, and is championed at, the highest levels of the organization. Position Summary: The Speech Pathologist is responsible for assuring that the PNHS values of Head + Heart, Together, are achieved through daily departmental operations. This includes, but is not limited to, direct patient care, professional growth and development, outcome/competency assessment, compliance with regulatory standards (JCAHO, OSHA, professional organizations, and other regulatory agencies); and participating in process improvements to advance patient care outcomes and satisfaction. The Rehabilitation Services Speech Pathologist will communicate timely, clearly and in a professional manner with staff, patients, patient family members, physicians and other internal/external customers. The staff member will demonstrate skills in listening, conflict management, system problem solving, decision-making and process improvement. Therapists will practice in compliance with professional standards and professional code of ethics. Therapists in the development track will partner with their leader(s) to discuss ways in which the therapist can improve departmental performance through activities involving community events, presentations, and program/department improvement initiatives. The therapist will be given protected time to execute these activities. Positions may require some weekend and holiday shifts as determined. Tasks and Responsibilities: Uses and applies current information and technical knowledge in providing high quality direct and indirect patient care, including: evaluation and treatment of patients, development and implementation of care plans, and outcome reporting. Works with team members to support a holistic approach to treatment techniques, goals and discharge planning Is personally committed to and actively works to improve professionally and personally by pursuing a professional development plan. Maintains proficiency with job related tasks, including but not limited to, use of equipment and tools, accurate and timely documentation of clinically appropriate and fiscally responsible treatment plan and completion of billing requirements Consistently works in a safe manner, in compliance with infection control policies, maintaining awareness of potential dangers and works to reduce risks on the job. Maintains compliance with regulatory agencies and immediately implements corrective action when deficiencies are noted. Participates in scheduling for optimal client service, safety, access and productivity; meets designated production expectations. Participates in peer reviews of patient care and documentation to meet standards of care Participates in basic department development expectations: a volunteer event, a local level presentation and program, project or committee participation Utilizes protected time and advanced certifications (if applicable) to assist department and organization in meeting strategic initiatives and operational goals Supports advancement of profession by providing and monitoring student internships/field work experiences. Demonstrates knowledge of age related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and assure safety of patients. Other duties as assigned Scope of Responsibility: The Speech Pathologist is expected to be involved in direct and indirect patient care related activities as directed by their leader. The therapist will practice in compliance with professional standards and ethics, Park Nicollet Health Services policies and state and federal regulatory agencies. Departments that offer rehab services include Methodist Hospital, Outpatient Clinics, Struthers Parkinson’s Center, and the Alexander Center. Supervision/Work Direction: The Speech Pathologist makes clinical decisions regarding the appropriate management of patients under his/her care. He/she delegates appropriate portions of patient treatment to therapy assistants and or aides and is responsible for supervising assistants, aides, volunteers and students. Internal/External Contacts: Customers include patients and their family members/ caregivers, physicians, health insurance representatives and other health care professionals. Education/Experience: Speech Pathologist, Patient Care Speech Pathologist, Development Speech Pathologist Development Certification , Master’s, or Doctorate degree Speech Language Pathology (Communication Disorders) Recommend experience as a Speech Pathologist preferably in a medical setting. Master’s, or Doctorate degree Speech Language Pathology (Communication Disorders) Recommend experience as a Speech Pathologist preferably in a medical setting. Master’s, or Doctorate degree Speech Language Pathology (Communication Disorders) Emphasis in a specific area of clinical expertise. Special Knowledge/Skills/Certification/Licenses: Licensed with the Minnesota Department of Health Required membership in professional organization American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and recommended membership in state organization Minnesota Speech and Hearing Association (MSHA) or nine months to require from date of hire. Individuals are responsible for the travel arrangements required to meet the expectations of the position. For the Development and Development Certification tracks individuals will exhibit leadership qualities and serve as a professional role model within the clinic demonstrating excellent communication skills, strong drive for results, motivation of others and a high degree of integrity and trust. For development certification individuals must meet the components under option B: Option A: Pass Board recognized certification exam, CHT exam, or CWS exam. Must maintain certification to remain in Certification Job Family. Option B: Certification requires a professional degree. If non-professionals are allowed to achieve the certification, there must be sufficient evidence of additional training required before being able to achieve the certification. Minimum of 100 total CE course hours to achieve the certification. May include multiple courses if required for that certification. Includes a written exam which must be scored in a pass/fail manner. Minimum of 100 self-study hours with documentation of how those study hours were completed. Evidence of a minimum of 2000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area, 25% of which must have occurred within the last 3 years. Re-certification exam requirement to maintain certification. If no re-certification exam available, but re-certification requirements exist, these must be submitted to the Rehab Leadership team for approval. If no re-certification exam or re-certification requirements exist, the following requirements must be met to remain in the Certification Job Family (specific activities must be submitted to the Rehab Leadership team for pre-approval): Complete one continuing education activity from Group I OR two activities from Group II within a 5 year period from completing certification, or from last re-certification period. Group I (Only 1 needed) Be actively enrolled in, or Graduate from an AAOMPT credentialed Fellowship Program Be actively enrolled in, or Graduate from an APTA or AOTA credentialed Residency Program Pass a specialty board certification exam in any area Group II (Minimum of 2 needed; must be from different categories) Attend a continuing education course in your specialty that was NOT required for your certification (minimum of a 16 hour course). You may take two courses in your specialty area to satisfy the 16 hour minimum requirement. Publish an article (or be listed as co-author) in a peer-reviewed journal, author a chapter in a published book, or edit a multiple-author published book in your specialty area. Teach a pre-approved college level course related to your specialty area. Teach a pre-approved educational/CE course in your specialty area. Machines/Equipment/Software Utilized: Proficient with communication and data processing equipment. Proficient in clinical apparatus related to area of expertise. Proficient in organization electronic medical record software. Critical Job Demands Section 1: Place an “X’ next to ONE of the terms that best describes the frequency for each of the Critical Demands. Critical Demands N/A 0% Rare 1-5% (Up to a 1/2 hour) Occa 6-33% (1/2 hour to 3 hours) Freq 34-66% (3 to 5½ hours) Cont 67-100% (5½ to 8 hours) Standing - Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about. X Walking - Moving about on foot. X Sitting - Remaining in a seated position. X Squatting - Assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent. X Reaching - Stretching out or extending to touch or grasp. X Lifting - Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling). X Carrying - Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder. X Pushing/Pulling – Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away/towards from the force. X Handling/Fingering – (includes typing, computer work, gripping, grasping, and pinching) X Section 2: Place an “X” next to ONE of the terms that best describes the Strength Rating for this job classification whichis expressed by one of five terms: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Very Heavy. Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible. X Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work. Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work. Note: During any patient handling task, if any caregiver is required to lift more than 35 lbs. of a patient’s weight, assistive transfer devices should be used for the transfer. HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Job Code (Required): 2FB Job Description: Speech and Language Pathologist Patient Care I certify that I performed this assessment for the job listed above based on the hazards present on this date. Name: Nancy Speier Date: 1/26/2012 Annually review form and revise as appropriate. Reviewed on: RELATED TO: Hazardous Substances and Harmful Physical Agents Yes No Task Description Potential Hazard Hazard control PPE Required (Double click on box to check) X Working with box cutters, knives or other sharp cutting devices such as cast cutters. Penetration Cut away from body. Use proper tool for the job. Safety knife or safety box cutter Cut resistant gloves Other ___________________ X Working with liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics (Examples: reprocessing, cleaners, disinfectants,). See Park Nicollet MSDS online database for chemical list Chemicals Flammables Toxic Gases Corrosives Use only PNHS approved products. Use appropriate soaking containers with labels. Understand hazards of chemicals you use (read MSDS). Goggles if splash risk Chemical face shield as appropriate Chemical resistant gloves Closed toe shoes Chemical resistant aprons Lab Coat Powered Air Purifying Respirator Other ___________________ X Exposed to extreme heat (Examples: Hot packs, OT Oven, Blanket warmers,) or cold (Winter temperatures for Home Care or Home Evaluations). Heat Cold Stress, Burns, Frostbite Approach hot surfaces carefully. Heat resistant gloves or use tongs Cryogenic (cold resistant) gloves Goggles Face shield Other ___________________ X Driving or riding in motorized vehicle equipment as part of the job for Home Care/ Home Evaluations. Vehicle crash, Impact Absolutely no text messaging while driving. Refrain from cell phone use while driving. Seat belt Other ___________________ X Working in extremely wet or slippery conditions or working in 24/7 operations where floors are wet from mopping. Slip, Trip, or Fall For wet areas, mop excess water regularly. Place warning signs. Select footwear carefully Slip resistant shoes Rubber boots Other ___________________ X Preparing or handling hazardous drugs (Examples: cytotoxic drugs, chemotherapy agents). Chemical Genetic damage Tumors Receive training PPE Use of biological cabinet Spill procedures Waste disposal SOP Gloves appropriate for chemical Disposable barrier gown Goggles N95/PAPR (spill cleanup) Ventilation Hood Other ___________________ X Medical/surgical procedures involving heat generating tools or equipment (Examples: cautery/ lasers). Light radiation, burns to self or patient, smoke inhalation Receive laser training. Awareness and knowledge to minimize surgical or procedural fires. Code Red training PPE Restricted access Specialized laser safety glasses Other ___________________ X Working with or near ionizing Radiation Hazards (Examples: Radioactive sources, X-Rays for Speech Video-swallows) Over exposure, Genetic damage Warning signage PPE Waste and spill procedures Personal monitoring Shielding, distance Lead Aprons Other-RAD Badge X Working near MRI. Trauma resulting from missile effect Restrict access Screening Signage X Moving equipment/supplies and patients. Strain, Sprain Proper body mechanics Get additional help Get Ergonomic help from EOHS. Utilize proper lift equipment Use tools or proper equipment specific to task (transfer belt, lift equipment) X Dealing with agitated persons or disturbances. Workplace violence, bodily injury, body fluid exposure Training in verbal de-escalation techniques. Code Green procedure Gloves (Clean) Barrier Gown or fluid resistant Lab Coat HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Yes No Task Description Potential Hazard Hazard control PPE Required (Double click on box to check) RELATED TO: Maintenance or Engineering Type Activities X Tasks involving common electrical equipment. Burns, electric shock Inspection of plugs Work orders for malfunctioning equipment X Working on or near energized parts/wires or on electrical circuits. Electrical Shock Training PPE Guards in place Electrical protective equipment Insulating blankets, matting or covers Hard Hat Insulated gloves Rubber sleeves X Welding, brazing, or soldering. Light radiation, Burns, Inhalation -hazardous byproducts Training PPE Guards in place Local ventilation Welders helmet Safety glasses w/ side shields Hand/skin/body protection Foot protection Other ___________________ X Cutting or grinding. Impact Training PPE Guards in place Safety glasses with side shields Face shield Gloves Other ___________________ X Sheet rocking or painting. Chemical Dust Training PPE Goggles Half mask respirator (only fit tested employees to wear a respirator. Contact EOHS if need fit testing) Gloves X Working in construction areas or material handling jobs where there could be falling objects. Impact Training PPE Head protection Steel toed shoes Other ___________________ X Working at elevated levels (Examples: Ladders, man lift, scaffolding, catwalks). Fall Training PPE Fall arrest system Hard Hat Other ___________________ X Working with liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids (Examples: battery servicing, boiler treatments, and pesticide applications). Chemical Training PPE Goggles Chemical face shield Gloves appropriate for Chemical Apron Other ___________________ X Working with power equipment like lawn mowers or chain saws. Compression Noise Cuts Training PPE Safety glasses w/ side shields Hearing protection Other ___________________ X Exposure to noise hazards (Examples: Boiler Room, Lawn Mowing, Chainsaw). Noise Training PPE Audiometric testing Hearing protections. (See PNHS Hearing Conservation program for more details) X Tasks involving confined space. Entrapment, exposure to gases, asphyxiation, collapse Confined space permit training Air monitoring Rescue plan Hard Hat Other ___________________ HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) RELATED TO: INFECTIOUS AGENTS Yes No Description Potential Hazard Hazard control PPE Required PERFORMING OR ASSISTING WITH THESE TASKS: X Potential for splash of blood/body fluid to face: examples but not all inclusive: suctioning, wound irrigation, eye & ear irrigation, close contact (within 3 of patient with frequent, productive cough. Exposure to Infectious Agents Hand hygiene before and after task PPE Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) Gloves (Clean) Barrier Gown if anticipate splash X Potential for splash of blood/body fluid to the face & clothing, examples, but not all inclusive: pulsed lavage wound care Exposure to Infectious Agents Hand hygiene before and after task PPE Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield Gloves (Clean) Barrier Gown if anticipate splash Splash guard shield for pulsed lavage X Activity that requires touching patient’s non-intact skin or mucous membranes. (Examples, but not all inclusive Strobes, handling trachs, treatment of swallowing disorders) Exposure to Infectious Agents Hand hygiene before and after task PPE Gloves (Clean) Barrier Gown if anticipate contact Facial protection if anticipate splash X Activity that includes touching patient’s blood/body fluid or contaminated items or environment, examples, but not all inclusive: disposal of urine, blood canisters, wound dressings, removal of drains or packing, CPR. Exposure to Infectious Agents Hand hygiene before and after task Use of Spill kits PPE Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash Gloves (Clean) Barrier Gown if anticipate splash Resuscitation Mask X Performing duties with sharp devices that could result in exposure to blood or body fluids (examples include blood glucose testing, wound debridement) Exposure to Infectious Agent/sharp injury Use of sharps safety devices Proper disposal of sharps at point of care Use neutral zone for passing sharps PPE Avoid re-capping needles Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash Gloves (Clean vs. Sterile depends on the procedure) X Entering rooms where patients with airborne diseases are treated. (Therapists, Care Techs only) Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation N95 respirator,PAPR Treat patient in airborne infection isolation room Limit entry into room PPE Follow Communicable Disease Guidelines and Tuberculosis Control Plan to determine if N95 respirator, PAPR, or surgical mask is needed X Work with specimens from patients with airborne diseases. Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation Local ventilation PPE N95 respirator or PAPR PERFORMING OR ASSISTING WITH THESE PROCEDURES: X 1. Procedures that enter deep tissue or body fluid, including but not limited to: Wound care debridement by therapists and nurse practitioner, injections by nurse/ nurse practitioner Exposure to infectious agents Hand hygiene before and after procedures PPE Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures as needed) Gloves (clean) Barrier Gown as needed X 2. a. Procedures that enter subcutaneous tissue or are located in the skin structure such wound debridement Exposure to infectious agents Hand hygiene before and after procedure PPE Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash) Gloves (clean) Barrier Gown if anticipate splash X 2. b. Additional Procedures Biopsy – wound care NP Exposure to infectious agents Hand hygiene before and after procedure PPE Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash) Gloves (Clean) Barrier Gown if anticipate splash X 3. Handling Lab specimens in a laboratory Exposure to infectious agents Hand hygiene after removing gloves Lab Coat ( fluid resistant) Gloves (Clean) Other tasks with identified safety, health or infectious hazards requiring PPE? Yes No Task Description Hazard Hazard control List PPE required