Relief Speech Pathologist, Inpatient

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

Within the scope of practice, the Relief Speech-Language Pathologist at LPCHS provide diagnostic evaluations and treatment for patients with communication disorders, including speech, hearing, and language disorders. Under the guidance of Rehab Management, the Relief Speech-Language Pathologist performs patient care and is responsible for all clinical aspects for assigned patient's care, including evaluation and treatment planning and progression. The Relief Speech-Language Pathologist provides assessment of all communication skills, including articulation, phonology, fluency, language, voice, cognitive communication skills, AAC needs, and social communication skills, as well as the evaluation and treatment for patients with feeding and swallowing disorders, the use of standardized assessment tools, and parent/caregiver training and hospital discharge planning. The Relief Speech-Language Pathologist may oversee and guide patient care responsibilities of a Rehabilitation Aide.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

* Performs patient care tasks with medically complicated patient populations. Determines rehab prognosis and implements the clinically indicated therapy plan of care. Determines the therapy diagnosis to address speech and language impairments. Selects and administers appropriate assessment and treatment techniques during all phases of the rehabilitation process.
* Evaluates, recommends, and trains on the use of durable medical equipment. May fabricate devices as clinically indicated. Discharges patients from treatment as clinically indicated, with adequate discharge planning including equipment procurement and patient/family training. Communicates discharge plan appropriately to patient, family, and health care team.
* Identifies needs for equipment repair or upgrade to maintain quality of care. Makes recommendations for selection and purchase of specific equipment and supplies.
* Initiates and participates in interdisciplinary care planning to meet the needs of each patient and family, including participation in rounds and patient care conferences and communicating with and instructing other care providers. May contact community agencies as necessary to provide continuity of service between hospital and community.
* Ensures documentation and billing are timely, accurate and complete, including evaluation, assessment, treatment precautions, plan of care, progress notes, discharge summaries, and charges.
* Performs patient care with fundamental skills in clinical reasoning, problem-solving and treatment interventions; Assesses and treats assigned patients within the CA SLP Licensing Board and ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) scope of practice including but not limited to feeding and swallow evaluation and treatment, and all aspects of communication.