Job Description
The Speech Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for administration and direct application of Speech/Language Pathology treatment modalities as prescribed by a referring physician.
- Evaluates, plans, directs and treats all referred patients.
- Provides pathology treatments to restore function and prevent disability following disease or injury.
- Assists patients to obtain maximum performance and function in society while learning to live a routine "normal" life within the constraints of their disability.
- Provides evaluation and treatment for patients with various diagnoses that may result in speech/language/cognitive/swallowing deficit.
- Adheres to current standards of practice established by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Provides education to the patient and family members regarding evaluation and treatment.
- Completes documentation within policy and procedure manual mandates. Completes Medicare documentation in accordance with Medicare standards.
- Participates on various medical center multi-disciplinary teams and in programs identified as requiring speech-language pathology services.
- Coordinates the development of new programs and services, including determination of Medical Center and community needs for speech and language services, as well as planning of services, space, and equipment to meet defined needs.
- Supervises students and Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) participants in the areas of diagnosis and treatment skills when necessary. Directs and supervises support staff to ensure optimal patient care.
- Assists the supervisor with requisitions, supplies, equipment, and other administrative duties as assigned.
- Develops and maintains a system reaching out to Staff, referral sources, and to the community increasing awareness of services offered. Promotes services at continuing education through in-services, and by communication with physicians, patients, and families.
- Ensures that equipment used is adequate, up-to-date, calibrated, and maintained in good working condition. Initiates requests for additional updated equipment as needed.
- Demonstrates the knowledge and the skills necessary to provide the care appropriate to the age/needs of the patients served.
- Maintains professional competency as appropriate and pursues ongoing learning through attendance at departmental and system in-services, workshops and conferences/seminars. Actively participates in organizational learning opportunities as appropriate.
- Participates in departmental Performance Improvement Program, gathers data and implements action plans that lead to improving patient care and/or processes.
- Provides care needed as described in the units/departments policies and procedures, as well as in the clinical competency checklist for the position and patient age groups served. Maintains appropriate documentation.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, and adjusts interventions when appropriate based on this knowledge.
- Demonstrates knowledge regarding pain assessment and management and adjusts interventions when appropriate based on this knowledge.
- Maintains a professional and courteous manner and provides care/ communication in a manner consistent with customer satisfaction and service excellence strategies.
- Provides patient/family education as appropriate.
- Performs case management/discharge planning and physician coordination appropriate to care provided.
- Attends team/unit meetings and conferences as appropriate to facilitate coordinated care and communication.
- Demonstrates knowledge of reimbursement criteria as necessary and modifies interventions as appropriate.
- Participates on various interdisciplinary system teams as appropriate
- Assesses patient situations identifying possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and intervenes appropriately.
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
Required:
- Illinois State Licensure Speech/Language/Pathologist
- Master's degree in Speech Therapy
- BLS from American Heart Association upon hire
Preferred:
- 2 to 5 years of position-related experience
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
