Speech Language Pathologist

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is a professional position involving responsibility for the evaluation of the communication functions and disabilities of patients/residents in a health care facility and for providing treatment to restore or improve communication effectiveness by utilizing a team of specialists concerned with the individual and the disorder.  The work is performed upon the written order or referral of a physician who provides medical direction.  The Speech Pathologist is responsible to the Director of Rehabilitative Services of Hospital Administrator for the operation of the department.  Supervision of others is not normally a function of this position.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Provides speech pathology treatment services in accordance with accepted professional standards and practices including muscular coordination exercises, sensory stimulation and association training and language development activities using electronic equipment;
• Evaluates the degree of function and disability of patients unless contraindicated by professional judgment or by the attending physician;
• Plans and develops remedial programs designed to restore or improve communication efficiency;
• Maintains program records including but not limited to service budget, monthly statistical reports, listing the numbers of patients treated, admitted and discharged, evaluation, re-evaluations, types of conditions seen and number of patients on a waiting list for evaluations or treatment programs;
• Consults with physicians on subjects of a professional medical nature;
• Integrates treatment plans into total care plans in consultation with patients, physicians and other personnel providing patient care;
• Participates in patient care review conferences;
• Initiates and attends conferences with the administrator, physicians and other facility staff to interpret the functions of the speech pathology service and its relationship with other patient care services;
• Orders and maintains departmental supplies and equipment;
• Develops or assists in the development of speech pathology policies and procedures;
• Participates in the selection of all personnel involved in the speech pathology service, assigns their duties and provides supervision;
• Records on patients’ charts all evaluation, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultations and discharge summaries;
• Assists in the development of, and participates in, the facility’s in-service education program.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of speech pathology; good knowledge of pathological conditions and socioeconomic factors affecting speech/language disabilities; good knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement speech pathology programs; ability to prepare accurate reports; ability to secure the cooperation of patients; good professional judgment; ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as a Speech Pathologist.