Speech Therapist

Job Summary Provides evaluation and treatment for speech and language disorders. Maintains and monitors patient progress. Requires Master's degree in speech pathology, current state licensing, and certification through the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Specializes in diagnosis and treatment of speech and language problems, and engages in scientific study of human communication. Within their training and scope of practice, the staff speech therapist assesses, treats and monitors patients; performs all necessary paperwork/reports; plans and develops new programs; maintains communication with patient, patient's family and physician and contract site staff; presents in services; assists in general management of the department; and other diverse duties as requested or required. Essential Job Functions Job functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the job's purpose and objectives. Job functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable. Evaluate patients using standardized and informal methods to gain appropriate data and develop treatment plan. Interpret evaluation findings and communicate treatment plan to patient, family/significant others and care team. Understands and complies with universal precautions, safety and risk policies and procedures. Practice therapy consistent with the code of ethics of the State and National Speech/Language and Hearing Association. Develop effective home program to maintain and enhance the patient's performance in their environment. Monitor patients' progress, modify treatment as appropriate. Review the patient treatment programs to maintain effective and efficient quality service. Develop treatment protocol/procedures, evaluation, treatment plan and goals, patient documentation and recommendation of discharging therapy services. Assist with development of programs revision of policies and procedures. Attend department meetings and conferences. Assist with maintenance of Quality Assurance reports and records. Complete hospital reports as required. Assist with maintenance of inventory of supplies and equipment. Develop and initiate referrals, respond in timely manner to referrals. Develop effective rapport with referring physicians. Present positive service oriented approach with patients, patient families, hospital/nursing home staff and co-workers at all times. Provide swing bed assessment and treatment and calculate days of need. Performs necessary documentation including evaluations, progress notes, discharge notes and logs in a timely manner according to regulations. Ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity in the physical therapy department. Maintains positive relationships with the health care team, patient and family. Diagnoses and evaluates speech and language skills and swallowing as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors. Plans, directs, or conducts rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency of individuals with communication disorders of organic and nonorganic etiology. Reviews individual file to obtain background information prior to evaluation to determine appropriate tests and to ensure that adequate information is available. Administers, scores, and interprets specialized speech, language and swallowing tests. Develops and implements individualized plans for assigned clients to meet individual needs, interests, and abilities and communicates that plan to the patient (or patient's family) and care team. Reviews treatment plan, and assesses individual performance to modify, change, or write new programs. Maintains records as required by law, establishment's policy, and administrative regulations. Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth. Instructs individuals to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice new skills. Acts as consultant to educational, medical, and other professional groups. Conducts research to develop diagnostic and remedial techniques. Serves as consultant to classroom teachers to incorporate speech and language development activities into daily schedule. Develops effective home program to maintain and enhance the patient's performance in their environment. Responsibility for maintaining up to date licensure requirements. Practices therapy consistent with the code of ethics of the State and National Speech/Language and Hearing Association. Responds in timely manner to referrals and develops effective rapport with referring physicians. Documents services and maintains records as required by law, facility policy and administrative regulations, and does so in a timely manner. Assists with development of programs, revision of policies and procedures. Utilizes and maintains equipment appropriately. Requisitions supplies and equipment as needed. Oversees techs, support staff, students and volunteers.

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This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description. Minimum Qualifications Master's degree (M.A. or M.S.) in Speech Language Pathology is required Master's degree or equivalent plus a year of clinical Fellowship to attain a Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Excellent communication and time management skills Willingness and ability to develop program areas, do QA/QI studies to improve the services provided to patients Providing care that respects patients' diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values. Acknowledging and addressing unconscious biases to deliver equitable care. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or third party payors. Ability to work independently and meet the demands of a CAH/rural hospital environment. Skilled at incorporating AIDET into professional practice. Understands role in patient confidentiality and must protect patient information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure as defined by HIPAA. Ability to respond quickly and decisively to emergency situations and ability to participate in shelter-in-place and disaster response protocols. Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams, communicating effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers. Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for providing care to specific patient populations. Ability to lift, move, and position patients and equipment. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in a Critical Access Hospital/Clinic. Knowledge of CAH-specific regulations and rural health challenges. Licenses & Certifications Must hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CCC-SLP) or be eligible for such. Current license from the Minnesota Department of Health Valid Driver's License Computer Skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), secure messaging applications, and collaborative tools (e.g.) Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace. Proficient with Paycom and other Information Systems applicable to position. Ability to thoroughly document clinical services, maintain accurate patient records, and effectively utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems i.e. EPIC. Reasoning & Critical Thinking Ability to analyze complex patient information to develop effective treatment strategies. Apply logical problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex situations. Make sound decisions in real time, often under pressure (early warning signs, inconsistencies, potential complications) using critical thinking. Analyze data and scenarios to identify patterns, inconsistencies, and opportunities. Evaluate multiple approaches and propose innovative solutions with sound judgement. Able to work independently with limited supervision. Language & Communication Skills Adapt tone, style, and messaging for diverse audiences and contexts. Ability to write high quality drafts, proposals, reports, and presentations. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one meetings as well as small and larger groups, i.e. employees, customers, vendors, community organizations, etc. Collaborate across departments to relay messages and coordinate care smoothly. Mathematics & Analytical Abilities Ability to accurately perform basic to complex mathematical calculations in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations and in analysis of quality assurance data. Ability to understand bar graphs and other visual representations of data. Accurately record and interpret clinical measurements. Use EMR systems and care documentation tools to analyze data trends and support treatment. Standards of Employment Understand and adhere to MMHC's compliance standards as outlined in MMHC's Compliance Program. Attend all mandatory education programs and demonstrate proficiency related to general safety and regulatory compliance. Attend all department-specific training, and demonstrate proficiency related to safety and job-related hazards. Understand and follow MMHC procedures for exposure control / blood borne and airborne pathogens. Comply with all relevant MMHC policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory standards and requirements. Attire is neat, clean, appropriate for the work environment and adheres to MMHC policy. Wear proper identification while on duty. Maintain confidentiality of all MMHC and patient information at all times. Report to work on time and maintain defined standards for attendance. Attend mandatory meetings. Able to perform essential job duties that meet job performance expectations and organizational standards while upholding MMHC mission and values. Physical Demands The physical demands 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 job functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move (push/pull) up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Lifting/and or moving of more than 35 pounds shall require the use of an assistive device or team member assist. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to meet physical demands of rural hospital/clinic work, including during emergency situations and/or disaster protocols. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; needles or sharps; the challenges of variable hours, shifting resources and work situations inherent in CAH/rural settings; Hazards and/or Biohazard Medications; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electric shock and radiation; bloodborne pathogens and exposed to latex. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.