Speech Language Pathologist - Neuro - Adult Outpatient

Department Overview

The purpose of this position is to function as a member of the Rehabilitation services patient care team by providing speech-language pathology services such as screening assessments, diagnostic evaluations and patient training related to communication, swallowing and/or cognition. Therapists evaluate each patient referred, establish treatment goals and objectives, develop and implement the treatment plan, and assist in the process of discharge planning and post-hospital placement. Therapists are expected to supervise therapy interns, assist with other educational research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital standards regarding documentation and productivity. This position may include weekend shift rotation.

Relief employees must be available to work at least four (4) days per pay period as determined according to the department needs.

Work locations will be Center for Health and Healing 1 and once credentialing is in place, our satellite location OHSU Health Rehabilitation Clinic, Murray Scholls.

Function/Duties of Position

Evaluation and Treatment of Patients

• After chart review, performs individualized skilled speech therapy evaluation, including general screening for indications for other therapy disciplines rehabilitation needs.
• Establishes treatment goals including functional outcomes, quantitative measures and target dates. Discusses goals for treatment with patient and includes family as appropriate, seeks agreement with plan and goals.
• Develops treatment plan directed at achieving identified goals.
• Provides speech therapy procedures in a highly skilled and competent manor including clear explanations to patients the purpose for selected procedures. Includes patient, family, caregiver training and education in treatment plan. Provides comprehensive handouts as indicated. Adjusts treatment plan specific to patient progress toward established goals.
• Documents evaluation, treatment plan and goals, treatment modalities and procedures in compliance with OHSU, ASHA, OAR, CMS, DNV and other 3rd party standards. All charts closed within three days without reminders.
• Develops and/or improves patient care programs for specialty area.
• Competently and safely demonstrates use of therapy tools and equipment for treatment procedures.
• Assesses patients for discharge from care when goals met, functional progress plateaus, pt noncompliance with treatment plan or change in medical status.
• Enters appropriate billing for care provided.
• Facilitates patient scheduling therapy appointments with follow up section in Cadence, MyChart communication. 
• Medicare certifications and recertification completed accurately and sent to referring provider for signature. Monitors chart for timely co-signature of plan.
• Ensures patient has home program in place to continue after discharge.
• Expected to meet productivity 

Provides a Safe Therapeutic Environment

• Ensures the safety and welfare of patients and fellow employees
• Utilized proper posture and sound body mechanics and principles for safe patient handling
• Maintain general good physical and mental health and self-care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and others in the workplace.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly environment for patients, family and personnel. Includes but not limited to maintaining organization of supplies and equipment, notifying appropriate personnel when cleaning or repair is needed, follows infection control policies, maintains knowledge of life safety, fire and electrical safety and disaster plan. Maintains a high degree of courtesy, discretion and respect for patients and fellow employees. Ensures the safety and welfare of patients and fellow employees. Utilizes proper posture, sound body mechanics and principles. Considers the needs of patients, employees, medical staff, volunteers, vendors and members of the community in an informative, courteous and compassionate manner. 

Care Coordination/ Interdisciplinary Communications

• Communication to referring provider as indicated; provides feedback and educates physicians, fellows, residents, and other health care providers about rehabilitation.
• Participates in interdisciplinary meetings as needed for care coordination.
• Timely communication to MCC as needed for insurance authorization requests or to clarify coverage for set treatment plan.
• Arrange for any necessary rehabilitation or home care equipment, communicating with vendors, 3rd party payors. May include coordinating rehab visits with another provider, writing letters of justification

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Speech/Language Pathology and possess a valid Oregon State license in Speech/Language Pathology; OR,
• specifically, when the position is a Clinical Fellowship Year position (CFY), meet the educational requirements, have an OR state conditional license, and be in the process of accumulating the supervised experience required for licensure (completion of Clinical Fellowship Year). 
• An Oregon State License in Speech/Language Pathology must be obtained within one year of appointment or employment will be terminated. 
• Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first.
• ASHA CCC's (Certificate of Clinical Competence)

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Require Speech, Language and cognitive assessment and intervention techniques for adult population 
• knowledge of complex medical conditions to appropriately evaluate, establish and implement a plan of care.
• Exhibit the ability to respond quickly and appropriately to medical situations that may arise 
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent experience in ambulatory care setting.

Additional Details

Center for Health and Healing 1 and Beaverton Locations. Ability to lift 25 lbs, repeatedly carry equipment weighing more than 5 lbs and walk extensively on hard and soft surfaces. Frequent bending and reaching to navigate medical equipment or perform treatment is required.

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