SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Intermediate computer skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organization skills
• Demonstrates organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Successfully completes all competency assessments/requirements pertaining to provision of patient care and consistent with site standards.
• Team members will maintain annual educational requirements including hospital-based certifications/accreditations (e.g. DNV, CARF or others) as appropriate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Must be able to: lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist. lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead. lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height
• Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs. of force. perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Must have functional use of senses to allow for effective communication.
• Exposed to electrical and chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids; therefore, must have ability to wear protective clothing as needed.
• Position may require travel; therefore, may be exposed to road and weather hazards.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
  This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

• Interprets physician referrals and conduct a speech and language evaluation of patients with various speech, language, voice, cognitive and swallowing disorders.
• Establishes a plan of care and implements an individualized treatment plan based upon evaluation results and evidence-based practice to assist the patient in achieving agreed upon functional goals for a therapeutic outcome.
• Monitors and evaluates outcomes and appropriately adjusts the individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s response to treatment and provides status updates to physicians. Identifies factors affecting patient’s physical and psychosocial comfort and attends to these needs.
• Provides education to the patient and family, and/or caregivers based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses preferences and learning barriers.
• Plans for patient discharge including but not limited to providing written home programs, patient/family teaching, referral for community services, transition planning within the continuum of care and ordering equipment as indicated/appropriate. Communicates and collaborates with appropriate stakeholders to assist in achieving optimum care for the patient.
• Completes all required documentation following department and accreditation standards to record patient care and progress of each patient assigned: including patient evaluations, progress notes, team conference reports, and discharge summaries as appropriate. Completes daily statistics, billing and scheduling per department standard. Applies insurance guidelines regarding authorization and number of visits. Responsible for maintaining site/department established productivity standards.
• Responsible for cleaning up after patient treatment, putting away equipment, and keeping area neat and orderly. Performs various manual techniques, patient positioning, transferring and transporting duties while utilizing proper techniques. Promotes patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and appropriately following all safety and infection control measures.
• Demonstrates skilled use of all appropriate equipment and devices. Demonstrates knowledge of indications and contraindications of therapeutic interventions.
• Participates in performance improvement activities designed to identify and resolve problems affecting patient care outcomes and to improve quality of care. Manages assigned caseload, informing site leadership of coverage needs and ability to cover; assists with coverage based on department and regional needs.
• Pursues professional growth through participation in professional development activities. May participate in the evaluation and development process of co-workers by providing verbal or written feedback as requested.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s age-specific needs.