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JOB SUMMARY (overview of job): Responsible for evaluation and treatment of patients referred for Speech/Language Pathology services by a referring physician. Develops plans of care for Home Health patients after evaluation. Discusses plan with patient and or caregiver. Assists patients to obtain maximum performance and function in society while learning to live a routine “normal” life within the constraints of their disability. Participates in performance improvement activities within the department. Assures personal competency and maintains licensure. Provides information related to departmental budget considerations in relationship to Speech Language Pathology needs for optimum patient care and service. Works closely with the Home Health Clinical Manager/Coordinator and Referral Coordinator for scheduling of patient visits. Alerts Referral Coordinator if changes in payment source. Maintains timely documentation and charges per department guidelines. Participates in mandatory staff meetings and in quality improvement initiatives as requested by Director and/or designee. Must be willing to travel to patients home to provide treatment. Participates in patient care conferences weekly as dictated by speech patient case load. Coordinates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure quality outcomes and delivery of care. Maintain a collaborative relationship with the SPH therapy department as needed.

COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates good communication skills to facilitate implementation of quality core measures, attends meetings and weekly case conferences. Maintains open communication with the interdisciplinary team. Maintains open communication with the Director and/or clinical coordinator in relation to patient assignments, responsibilities or patient concerns. Utilizes appropriate chain of command to collaboratively and proactively problem solve as needed. Diffuses patient/family complaints prior to involving the Director or clinical coordinator. Attends education when offered related to competencies or changes in processes. Understands regulatory and compliance standards to assure the provision of safe, cost effective and quality care. Attends committee meetings as assigned by the Director.

ADAPTABILITY: Has a “can do” attitude, promotes team-work, and a no-blaming environment while setting the tone for the department by being a good role model. Maintains a positive attitude and flexibility regarding fluctuating patient census and staffing needs. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and actively completes assignments, documentation per agency policy. Able to prioritize and multi-task when the department gets busy. Remains calm during stressful times.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: Conducts all OASIS time points and assessments in a timely manner according to regulatory guidelines. Serves as a team resource and assists staff members as available with difficult patient situations. Understands the principles of patient education and health literacy to promote patient self-management skills and safe functioning. Develops an individualized home plan of care. Assesses the home environment for adaptive equipment needs. Provides ST to various types of patients which may include; dementia, learning disabilities and chronic diseases. Regularly attends staff meetings and educational programs as applicable or mandated. Effectively manages time and resources responsibly. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in providing quality care to home care patients. Effectively works with the Home Health Clinical Manager/Coordinator and/or Lead Physical Therapist.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: At least 2 years of Acute Care, Outpatient, Rehabilitation, Home Health, or other relevant experience required. Sufficient knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience to demonstrate ability to work autonomously. Experience working in a Home and Community Based Program is a plus.

EDUCATION: Holds a Master’s Degree from an approved college or school of speech/language pathology.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Current State Licensure in speech language pathology (as Speech Pathologist); BLS required.

Aptitudes : Mental acuity/intelligence -ability to recognize changes in client's physical and mental capacity. Determine if other disciplines need to be added to the plan of care (nursing, MSS, OT, PT) Able to interact with patients and families providing excellent care as well as excellent customer service. Knowledge of computer programs and ability to learn computer system for clinical documentation. Numerical/mathematical skills to be able to measure for needed adjustments. Organization-ability to allocate appropriate time and resources efficiently to meet client needs.

Ability to achieve cognitive, organization and emotional maturity to deal respectfully and effectively with multiple tasks, stresses, deadlines, difficult situations and/or patients. Possesses positive interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective, non-judgmental, and empathetic patient care and customer relations. Ability to achieve expected organizational behavioral standards. Open to feedback and a quickly changing environment, which requires flexibility in scheduling, equipment, and department assignments. Strives to put the patient first above personal needs and beliefs. Acts as a mentor to less experienced staff.

LEADERSHIP/TEAM ATTRIBUTES:

+ Demonstrated ability to create an environment of mutual trust and respect and two-way communication with all team members

+ Demonstrated ability to build a close team and inspire a team spirit.

+ Demonstrated ability to actively pursue positive change, both personally and organizationally. Demonstrated ability to adapt to change.

+ Demonstrated willingness to serve key constituents, including patients, families, coworkers, physicians, the community, and the organization and to exceed customer expectations.

+ Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary team for the benefit of the organization as a whole.

+ Demonstrated ability to control limited healthcare resources by effectively managing the organization’s financial and supply resources.

+ Demonstrated integrity by actions that are consistent with what she/he says, communicating ideas openly and directly, and welcoming openness and honesty of others.

+ Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

+ Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities, stressors, deadlines, difficult situations, and/or customers effectively.

+ Demonstrated ability for a strong work ethic related to St. Peter’s Illness Policy.