The Speech Pathologist 1 adheres to department policies regarding timeframe, form/content of written evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Communicates effectively with patients, families, medical staff, healthcare team members, students, supervisors, and outside contacts. Completes all administrative and other responsibilities in support of the operating unit while demonstrating essential skill competencies in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols. Performs re-evaluations, according to department guidelines, while adjusting treatment plans accordingly. Selects evaluation and treatment methods appropriate to the diagnosis, age group and physical/emotional status of patients, while formulating appropriate treatment plans.

Job Responsibilities

Documents evaluation results clearly and completely while including all essential elements according to department policy. Completes daily progress notes that reflect patients' responses to treatment, actual performance, assessment as to status relevant to the treatment plans, discharge needs and treatment summaries if needed. Completes discharge notes that include a summary of the course of treatment, progress toward goals, discharge needs, recommendations for follow-up, and patient and/or family education. Documents clearly, concisely, and legibly within established timeframes (e.g. allows other Therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, and supports reimbursement). Documents evidence of patient, family, and caregiver education. Contacts families, Physicians, or other healthcare team members in anticipation of the special needs of patients/families in a timely manner to facilitate effective treatment plans. Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to patients' level of understanding and motivation. Includes families/caregivers in education and training as appropriate. Demonstrates collaboration in communication with team members while being open to feedback and receptive to change. Gives appropriate instruction and supervision to assistive personnel consistent with program/clinic policies and regulatory requirements. Maintains productivity standards set by department/clinic and makes efficient use of non-billable time while minimizing the use of non-billable time. Consistently completes routine administrative responsibilities within established timeframes (e.g. time cards, coverage notes, and charge entry). Contributes to the educational efforts of the department/clinic (e.g. in-services, students, CPR, new hire orientation, QI). Assumes leadership roles in committees, department processes, and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plans Demonstrates fiscal responsibility and knowledge about supplies, equipment, billing, and staff resources used in the department.. Demonstrates essential skill competencies in the use of treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols. Applies knowledge of therapeutic techniques during evaluations and throughout the course of treatment. Adjusts treatment plans regularly and appropriately as patients' status changes. Demonstrates current knowledge of the application of therapeutic techniques and evaluation methods. Demonstrates creative problem-solving and diversity when adapting treatment plans to special circumstances. Assumes complete responsibility over the course of speech patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety, and treatment outcomes. Addresses discharge planning needs from initial evaluation to discharge. Chooses the appropriate evaluation tests/tools relevant to diagnosis and reason for referral. Administers appropriate tools/tests and interprets data accurately based on feedback from treatment teams. Develop goals and treatment plans that reflect evaluation findings and are prioritized based on input from patients, families, and team members. Formulates comprehensive treatment plans to improve the functional status of patients and address reasons for referrals. May perform additional duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements

Certification - Basic Life Support Upon StartLicensure - Speech Language Pathologist VA License; Provisional VA license accepted if the candidate is being considered for Clinical fellowship; (Must be eligible for full active VA licensure upon completion of CFY)Experience - Not requiredEducation - Masters Degree Speech Pathology or Communication Sciences Disorders accredited by ASHA.