POSITION SUMMARY:
The Speech Therapist assists patients in the restoration or development of swallowing, speech and communication functions through evaluation and treatment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Master s
Experience: N/A
Licensure/ Certification: Respective state temporary license with the supervision of a Licensed Speech Pathologist for 18 months. Respective state temporary license while completing Clinical Fellowship Year or respective state license and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) by the American Speech Language. Hearing Association (ASHA)
Other Skills/ Knowledge: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Solid computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft software. Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to be detail oriented.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: N/A
Experience: Previous experience as Speech Pathologist
Licensure/ Certification: Valid state driver's license, as verified through the respective state Department of Motor vehicles driving record abstract.
Other Skills/ Knowledge: Analytical ability to administer and evaluate standardized speech/language tests, conduct swallowing evaluations, evaluate patients' capabilities, develop treatment plans and monitor patients' progress.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
Evaluates patients' speech, language, and cognitive abilities in order to formulate and carry out treatment plans designed to restore communicative efficiency to patients with communication deficits.
Conducts swallowing evaluations upon physician referral and makes recommendations for management of dysphagia as appropriate.
Conducts flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) examinations upon physician referral to evaluate swallowing and makes recommendations for management of dysphagia as appropriate (if given privileges to perform FEES).
Monitors patients' progress, statuses or revises therapy goals and treatment plans as necessary, determines when maximum recovery has been achieved, and dismisses patient from further treatment.
Alerts physicians to significant changes in patients' condition.
Discusses evaluation and treatment with patients and their families and instructs them in techniques to restore or compensate for communication and swallowing deficits/disorders.
Reviews patients' charts, interviews patients and families, and consults with physicians and other relevant clinical professionals in order to evaluate patients' condition according to standard procedures.
Collaborates effectively with other members of the interdisciplinary team in order to gather and exchange patient/treatment information.
Performs related work including participating on committees, education of other disciplines in scope of practice, assisting in overseeing clinical internships, and promotes the Speech Therapy Department within the community.
Supervises, orients and evaluates students, orients and trains new department staff and volunteers as assigned.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation including evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, discharge summaries, patient education, and prepares documents to communicate to appropriate care team Mission Partners.
Maintains personal productivity at or above department standard. Attends patient review conferences, clinics, in-service education classes and meeting as necessary. Attends mandatory department, Medical Center meetings, and other work-related educational programs.
Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field and incorporates evidence-based practice into the delivery of care.
Supports and is involved in the continuous quality improvement efforts designed to increase patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and improve the utilization of the human, capital, and physical resources to support OSF Key Results.
CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY:
It is the obligation of each employee of OSF Healthcare System to abide by and promote the Corporate Philosophy, Values, Mission, and Vision of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
OSF Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Continually traversing corridors. Must occasionally remain in a stationary position, sitting or standing, for up to 4 hours. Operates office and medical equipment constantly. Frequently lifts/moves/carries objects/persons up to 35 pounds. Occasionally must position self to lower heights under 4, stooping or squatting. Near acuity vision needed. Constant coordination of hands, fingers, feet and eyes required. Completes basic math quickly and accurately. Understands complex problems and explores alternative solutions. Organizes thoughts and ideas into understandable terminology. Constantly working with others;must converse and be understood verbally and in written form. Occasionally must work to understand and negotiate and/or integrate different viewpoints. Continual decision making based on data and observation required. The environment includes frequent emotional stress and occasional violent or assaultive customers. Hazards include exposure to blood borne pathogens, contagious diseases and chemical exposure.
