Natividad is currently seeking to fill one (1) full time Speech Pathologist position in the Therapy Services Department. Under direction, this incumbent provides professional speech pathology diagnostic and treatment services to assist patients with communication, voice and swallowing disorders of inpatients and outpatients in a hospital setting; develops, implements, and documents treatment plans and goals designed to meet patient needs including special population of Neonatal Intensive Care infants and pediatrics patients.

Examples of Duties

SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION

• Provide comprehensive communication and/or swallowing rehabilitation case management which includes the diagnostic evaluation of a broad range of patients with communication and/or swallowing disorders to determine and provide the optimum therapy for correction, rehabilitation, or referral to another service
• Develop and implement appropriate treatment plans for patients that include specific treatment methods, duration and frequency of treatment, and goals
• Interpret and analyze findings of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disabilities to determine therapy diagnosis and prognosis
• Coordinate treatment programs with physicians, nurses, professional and para-professional staff in the inpatient and outpatient departments of the hospital
• Perform indirect patient care duties such as communication and coordination of care with the patient, family, caregivers, and other professionals, conference reporting, documentation, and charging according to procedures
• Maintain accurate records and written reports
• Participate in continuing education/staff development and competency requirements and other hospital and professional requirements, as required

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING: 

Thorough knowledge of:

• Current principles, methods, theory and practices of Speech Therapy
• Pathologies and injuries that result in speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disabilities
• Regulatory practice requirements
• Evaluation and treatment methodologies as applied to complex patients
• Code of Ethics and performance standards as outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Working knowledge of:

• Basic understanding of the business aspects of therapy services; such as utilization management, charging practices and regulatory compliance
• Anatomy and physiology related to treatment
• Standard billing, reimbursement and reporting practices common to the health care industry, including those pertaining to Medi-Cal and Medicare

Skill and Ability to:

• Evaluate patients, interpret clinical data and make clinical judgments
• Apply advanced clinical skills in treating difficult and complex cases
• Develop, implement and adapt treatment programs
• Write clearly and concisely
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and other health professionals
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others
• Efficiently manage time and priorities
• Demonstrate appropriate patient handling skills