Policy and Procedure Manual
Title: Speech Pathologist
POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for the delivery of speech therapy services to agency clients in accordance with an established physician plan of care and in compliance with applicable licensure / certification requirements, any state practice act(s) and the agency's policies and procedures.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1. Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from an accredited college and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech and language pathology.
2. Current licensure in speech pathology as required by the state of Texas.
3. At least one (1) year of experience, preferably in an acute care or rehabilitation setting, with exposure to geriatric and medical / surgical clients.
4. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
5. Valid driver's license in the state of Texas, with available and dependable transportation and proof of current automobile liability insurance.
6. Ability to meet minimum agency hiring standards which include evidence of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate and willingness to perform such procedure in the home setting.
7. Essential physical, mental, and / or environmental working conditions: a. Must be able to meet the physical demands which including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and transferring. b. Must be able to utilize good judgement, demonstrate patience, and maintain a professional demeanor. c. Must be able to work in a busy and stressful environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Delivers direct speech therapy services to clients as ordered by a physician and in accordance with an established plan of care. a. Evaluate client via on-site visit and within 72 hours of receipt of referral. b. Plans and develops appropriate speech therapy care plan based on evaluation and as approved by the attending physician. c. Documents client evaluation on appropriate agency forms and submits same within 72 hours of visit. d. Develops plan of care and consults with physician and other members of the health care team on an on-going basis for upadates and communication. e. Documents goals as short-and long-term and includes discharge planning activities. f. Includes appropriate staff and family members in goal planning to provide continuity of care. g. Utilizes community resources and agency personnel by proper referral methods. h. Recommends communication devices and aides as indicated and according to client capability. i. Administers speech therapy program utilizing specialized therapeutic techniques and / or equipment.
2. Maintains and submits required documentation relative to care delivered to the client. a. Documents after each visit and turns in notes on a weekly basis. b. Maintains appropriate documents required for billing. c. Confers with agency staff and family members regarding methods of assisting client to improve, correct and / or accept level of disability. d. Reviews and revises care plan every 30-60 days including discharge planning and / or as condition dictates. e. Contacts physician as necessary and appropriate concerning treatment and progress of client.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with all agency policies related to home health care services. a. Complies with all local, state and federal regulations and JCAHO guidelines regarding speech therapy services and attends staff meetings as requested. b. Conducts inservice seminars as requested by agency management staff. c. Attends ongoing continuing education programs and all mandatory inservice programs. d. Fosters professional relationships outside the agency as evidenced by membership in professional organizations or community activities.
* Since it is difficult to identify all essential functions of a job because of changes in the workplace, this job description will be reviewed periodically to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.* I understand I am not eligible for employment if I have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or under criminal indictment / charge of an offense that did or would have endangered a client or fellow employee or property of a client, employee or employer. I have read and understand this job description and agree to the condition set forth herein.