Speech Language Pathologist I-Home Care

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Speech Language Pathologist I-Home Care provides direct patient care in the home environment including assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, and implementation within the guidelines of the standards for speech therapy practice and according to physician orders. Educate and counsel patient and family regarding treatment plans.

Graduate (e.g., master's or doctorate) from an accredited Speech Pathology program which meets the licensure requirements in the state of practice is required. 

1 year in an acute care setting is preferred.

2 years experience in Home Health preferred.

Current state licensure or eligibility for state licensure as a Speech Language Pathologist is required.

Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) or completion in the first 90 days of employment is required.

Communication: Demonstrates written, verbal and listening skills

Interpersonal: Demonstrates motivation, flexibility, empathy, patience, responsibility, dependability, active listening, and teamwork skills.

Detail orientation: Demonstrates organization in monitoring the health and safety of patients toward their recovery process.

Compassion: Demonstrates collaboration, motivation, encouragement, calmness, positive outlook, and resilience to overcome patient resistance and setbacks.

Time management: Demonstrates delegation, organization, prioritization, stress management, goal setting, planning, and communication skills.

Treatment Planning: Proficient in synthesizing evaluation/assessment information into an effective treatment approach. Aptitude and ability to stay or alter course of treatment based on the assessment/evaluation results.

Observation: Demonstrates ability in attention to details, emotional and contextual intelligence, and critical thinking skills.

Conducts appropriate evaluations, assesses home environment (as appropriate), identifies equipment needs relative to speech/language function.

Evaluates assigned patients and gathers background data, reviews referrals, selects and modifies evaluation tools, and evaluates patients determining the level of patient’s physical and psychosocial functioning.

Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional information, suggest revisions in treatment plan and to integrate therapy treatment with other aspects of patients care.

Maintains clinical competency in speech-language pathology practice and theory.

Identifies functional speech defects and establishes a plan of care to improve patient’s function.

Enhances patient education by developing comprehensive and progressive home programs with instruction to the patient, family, and other caregivers as appropriate to facilitate a safe and effective discharge.

Identifies and manages various levels of care necessary to ensure care plan delivery. Delegates and supervises support personnel to maximize patient outcomes and ensure effective utilization of services.

Prepares for patient discharge inclusive of ordering of necessary equipment and recommendations for therapeutic services ensuring the continuum of care.

Identifies factors affecting patient’s physical and psychosocial comfort and attends to these needs and per standards.

Utilizes SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication techniques and communicates patient care issues w/physician.

Exceptional patient service and clinical quality reported by patient and/or demonstrated by functional improvement.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other