Speech Language Pathologists work with people who have dysarthria, aphasia, apraxia and/or dysphagia as a result of neurological diagnoses; have speech problems such as stuttering, an unwanted accent, or an inappropriate pitch or harsh/hoarse voice; have problems understanding language, or have cognition impairments such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders.

Speech, language, swallowing problems may result from injury, illness, cognitive deficits, developmental delays, or emotional difficulties. Adult patients may be victims of strokes or progressive neurological disorders. The Speech Language Pathologist often works closely with doctors, nurses, psychologists, physical therapists, and/or occupational therapists. They plan and carry out treatments that take into account the specific needs of each patient.

The Speech Language Pathologist must strive to provide the highest level of care for the patient and work toward the goals of the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. High quality care and overall efficiency are essential components to this success.

Master's degree from an accredited institution of learning.

Must maintain certification with the American Speech/Language/Hearing Association. Must be licensed in accordance with state laws and regulations. Valid driver's license required.

Effective interpersonal relationship skills including good listening and communication skills.

Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and appropriately.

Ability to adapt resources to meet the needs of the situation.

Possesses high level of organizational and clerical skills.

Exercises good judgement, flexibility, creativity, and insight in problem solving.

Adjusts to stressful situation with confidence and good judgment.

May be exposed to communicable and infectious diseases. Possible injury from residents/patients during excited phases of illness and cutes from sharp instruments. Possibility of injury/death due to automobile accidents.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Administer speech/language evaluations, swallowing evaluations, video fluoroscopic swallowing studies, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written and oral test and special instruments.

Evaluate speech/language/swallowing test results and medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice and swallowing disorders

Monitor patients progress and adjust treatments accordingly.

Record information on the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.

Develop and implement treatment plans.

Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication or swallowing.

Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, and breathing mechanisms.

Develop programs for exercise and out of clinic practice.

Consult with and advise medical, nursing and rehabilitation staff on speech or hearing topics such as communication strategies and speech and language stimulation.

Instruct patients and family members in the strategies to cope with or avoid communication-related misunderstandings.

Design, develop and employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices and strategies.

Refer clients to additional medical or educational services if needed.

Participate in conferences and/or provide training, to share knowledge of hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies to families or staff

Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers with limited English proficiency.

Use computer applications to identify and assist with communication disabilities.

Develop a plan of care for each patient upon order or referral of a physician, setting short and long term goals and includes discharge summary.

Participates in patient care conferences with other related health services, patient, and family to review patients, progress and evaluate goals.

Plans home instruction for patients, family, friend, or public nursing services.

Maintains awareness of services that Medicare or other insurance will cover for Physical Therapy services and consults patient, physician, family or legal guardian regarding expenses.

Maintains adequate records and progress notes on each patient and completes daily billing.

Performing a Can-Do Spirit while other duties may be assigned.

Hospital and Care Center Computer medical records systems

Telephone system

Department charts

Office supplies

Photocopier

Wheelchairs and Geri Chairs

Computers for therapy activities and review and analysis of video fluoroscopic swallow studies

Vitalstim

Strives to provide the highest quality of care possible.

Seeks innovative and effective methods of providing high quality care with the assistance of the director.

Succinctly, accurately and legibly documents provision of care within defined standards.

Participates in any audit process in place to ensure documentation meets the required standards.

Strives to ensure customer/patient satisfaction during the provision of all care.

Reports concerns/issues regarding customer/patient satisfaction to the department director when necessary.

Complies with CRMC policies when resolving patient grievances.

Provides input and participation as appropriate when the department is developing tools to measure customer/patient satisfaction.

Maintains complete confidentiality related to all aspects of patient information as guided by HIPAA and existing CRMC policies.

Implements department specific policies to help maintain the confidentiality of all rehab patient information.

Supervises and guides the performance of assistants and other pertinent support staff to help ensure the provision of consistent high quality care.

Seeks the counsel and assistance of the department director on employee/department issues when needed.

Provides education to other staff in the facility as appropriate.

Remains current regarding provision of care by upholding present CEU standards as defined by the appropriate discipline's specific governing body.

Annually sets goals that develops themselves both professionally and personally.

Demonstrates an ability to work harmoniously and effectively in a large and multifaceted department.

Demonstrates ability to make wise material and staff resource utilization decisions with the assistance of the department director to help ensure the most efficient use of resources.

Assists the department director in implementing innovative strategies and ideas to improve productivity and/or efficiency within the department or facility as a whole.