POSITION SUMMARY

Plans organizes, and conducts individualized treatment plans to help patients with communication and swallowing disorders restore and/or improve function. Studies, evaluates, and records patients' activities and progress. Requires Speech Language Pathologist licensure in Maryland.

Principal Duties:

1. Obtains relevant information from the medical record, patient/family interview, and/or team members as needed to evaluate and/or treat patients wihtin the therapist's scope of practice.

2. Administers standardized and non standardized assessments.

3. Modifies evaluation tools and treatment activities to maximize patient's performance

4. Provides education to patient/family/caregivers, staff, and ancillary services concerning diagnosis, speech procedures, resources, and general information as appropriate.

5. Consults with physician regarding appropriate or additional treatment, as needed. Demonstrates proficient judgement in making appropriate referrals to other health professionals.

6. Provides professional oversight for certified speech therapy assistants and aides. Supervises students and volunteers as appropriate.

7. Intervenes appropriately when patient shows signs of fatigue, pain, frustration or changes in medical status during treatment.

8. Maintains quality assurance and competency documentation.

9. Participates in program development committees.

10. Provides appropriate documentation and communication of patient care.

a. Documents initiationand/or completion of initial evaluation and treatment plan within the appropriate time frame.

b. Performs weekly or periodic re- evaluations appropriate to setting, condition of patient per departmental policy/procedure.

c. Sets short term goals and long-term goals that are, relevant, attainable, functional and measurable.

d. Performs documentation that is timely, accurate, complete, concise and legible.

e. Uses appropriate grammar, medical terminology and hospital approved abbreviations.

f. Completes formal discharge summary or discharge note when appropriate per departmental policy within the appropriate time frame.

11. At Laurel Regional Hospital, must be able to participate in community outings for patients who require it as part of their treatment program. May be required to drive to a specific location in order to provide therapy services as part of the patient's plan of care. Must evaluate the safety and appropriateness of a proposed site and identify appropriate patient populations for the community outing.

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.

3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.

2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8. Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self-Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4. Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6. Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.