Speech Therapist (ST) – Acute Care

OFFERING A $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS PAYABLE IN TWO INSTALLMENTS – 50% AFTER 90 DAYS – 50% AFTER ONE YEAR

Major Responsibilities:

• Evaluation and Goal Setting
  •  Selects appropriate evaluation procedures to assess the abilities and limitations of patients including infants, children, adolescents and adults of all ages.*
  • Administers and interprets initial evaluations which determine the patient's status in the following areas of function: verbal expression, non-verbal communication, auditory comprehension, written expression, reading comprehension, cognition, swallowing skills and the needs for swallowing precautions, articulation, fluency, voice and the need for augmentative systems.*
  • Establishes short and long terms goals which are functional and measurable.*
  •  Completes entry level evaluation competencies.*
• Provision of Patient Care
  •  Plans appropriate treatment programs for infants, children, adolescents and adults of all ages based on physician referral, evaluation results, patient/family goals and interests, sound clinical judgment and other pertinent available information.*
  • Administers daily treatment ensuring that the treatment plan is age-appropriate and adjusted as necessary in order to meet the changing needs of the patient.*
  • Successfully completes all competency assessments pertaining to provision of patient care.*
  • Determines the need for appropriate supplemental group therapy and requests that it be scheduled accordingly.*
  • Communicates with team members, other professionals, family members and caregivers for the purpose of sharing information that will assist in achieving optimum care for the patient. Establishes effective rapport with patients of all ages depending on assignment.*
• . Patient and Family Education
  • Provides education to the patient and family, or significant others based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses learning readiness, preferences and learning barriers.*
• . Discharge Planning
  • Consults with other team members to determine when the patient will be ready for discharge. Recognizes the need for termination of treatment and effectively plans discharge which may include establishing home treatment plans and/or arranging for continued services.*
• Documentation
  • Completes all written documentation according to departmental policy.*
• Daily Operations
  • Responsible for maintaining a productive schedule, with an average of 6.5 out of 8 hours per day scheduled for direct clinical care. Informs supervisor of openings and/or cancellations in their daily schedule.*
  •  Performs other duties such as billing for all services rendered on the day delivered, maintaining a clean work environment, and serving on departmental committees and in program development efforts as appropriate.*
  • Participates in the continuous improvement of the quality of services delivered through the department by participating in measuring critical functions, and participating in teams to improve work processes.*
  • Follows appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to patient care, equipment and the general working environment. Promptly reports any problems to their immediate supervisor.* Actively participates in departmental meetings, inservices and continuing education programs.*
• Delegation to and Supervision of Students
  • Supervises interns at the request of the supervisor after completing one year of clinical experience.

Education/Experience Required:

• Masters degree in speech from an accredited school of speech pathology

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good interpersonal skills and communication
• Licensed or eligible in the state of Illinois

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Required to work approximately 1 weekend per month or evenings depending on area of assignment. Lifts 20 to 50 pounds occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly. Speaks English clearly, intelligibly and fluently. Ability to discriminate subtle differences in speech sounds
• This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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.