Speech Language Pathologist, Home Health

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews Physician's referral, patient's condition and medical records to determine speech therapy treatment required. Obtains history and subjective components of the evaluation

• In the home setting: Diagnoses and evaluates speech, language, communicative, cognitive, and swallowing skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors

• Plans, directs, or conducts rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency of individuals with communication problems of organic and nonorganic etiology

• Provides counseling and guidance and language development therapy to patients

• Reviews individual file to obtain background information prior to evaluation to determine appropriate tests and to ensure that adequate information is available

• Administers, scores, and interprets specialized hearing, speech and language tests

• Develops and implements individualized plans for assigned clients to meet individual needs, interests, and abilities

• Reviews treatment plan, and assesses individual performance to modify, change, or write new programs

• Evaluates swallowing abilities via bedside swallow/video studies, developing a plan of care based on findings and individualized patient needs

• Maintains records as required by law, establishment's policy, and administrative regulations

• Performs complete, thorough, and timely electronic documentation

• Instructs individuals to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice new skills

• Acts as consultant to educational, medical, and other professional groups

• Confers with Physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate speech therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care

• Competent in completing home health therapy start of care, recertification, resumption of care, transfer, and discharge OASIS assessments

• Assists with the supervisory visits of HHA as required by regulations

• May assist with orientation and training of new partners as needed

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of an accredited Speech-Language Pathology program

• Completion of a Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of a certified Speech-Language Pathologist required within 1 year of hire if not yet completed

• Home health experience preferred

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

• Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology in the State of Wisconsin and/or Illinois or registry eligible

• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association required per state regulation

• Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days of hire

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Passing the Driver's License Check and/or Credit Check (for those positions requiring).

Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and/or IL Health Care Workers Background Check.

Must be able to follow written/oral instructions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is variable

Occupational Exposure: Category A - All partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure.

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED

Adult (18 years - 64 years)

Geriatric (65 years and older)