Speech Language Pathologist

Under general supervision of the Director of Therapy Services, the Speech Language Pathologist plans, directs, coordinates and performs high quality speech and language pathology services to patients of Huntsville Memorial Hospital.

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members.  Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Assesses patients' needs and strengths, diagnoses speech, language, swallowing disorders, establishes goals, plans services, and determines type, frequency and duration of treatment in conjunction and consultation with physician.
• Develops, implements, evaluates and revises plans of care.
• Educates patients/families in basic home safety and medical equipment safety as applicable to services provided.
• Communicates findings and changes in condition to physicians.
• Schedules visits to patients and confirms same with Home Care office or Center for Rehabilitation.
• Participates in discharge planning.
• Prepares summaries and reports.
• Documents all care, submitting required paperwork on a daily basis.
• Uses, maintains and cleans necessary equipment.
• Performs and interprets specialized tests, if appropriate.
• Adheres to the specifications of the ASHA Code of Ethics and HMH hospital policies and procedures in the performance of duties.
• Participates in quality improvement monitoring and evaluation activities, assimilating quality improvement findings and recommendations into practice.
• Attends case conferences, staff meetings, in-services and other home care agency gatherings as required.
• Serves on specialized committees and participates in the development/revision of policies and procedures.
• Provides consultation with other Speech Therapists and professionals of other disciplines regarding speech and language pathology (SLP).
• Prepares reports on discipline services for Administration.
• Ability to obtain information and interpret information in terms of the patient's needs; knowledge of growth and development; and understanding of the range of treatment needed by these patients.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.
• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology required.
• Experience: None required, prior therapy experience preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech & Language Pathology issued by ASHA.  Valid license issued by the State of Texas Department of Health, Board of Examiners in Speech & Language Pathology. Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent: sitting, standing, walking, & reaching.
• Occasional: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing kneeling, twisting.
• Visual and hearing acuity required. Work is inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.
• Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, moving mechanical parts, potential electric shock, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.