Speech Language Pathologist / Speech Language Pathology Assistant

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT

Qualifications

• The education and experience requirements for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Active and current licensed practitioner in the State of Texas.  License to be current and issued as defined under the guidelines established by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT

Job Description

Position requires critical thinking skills as well as the ability to make assessments and document the information obtained during assessments. This position also requires the ability to effectively communicate exactly what is expected during treatment sessions. Therapist will communicate to the patient and/or family members the diagnosis, treatment plan and prognosis. The following is a basic description of the Speech Language Pathologist job. This job description is not all inclusive but reflects the general needs of the department.

• Carries out Plan of Care for patients established by Speech Language Pathologist, identifying the types of activities and specific goals to be accomplished

• Knowledgeable and proficient in the use of MS Word/Excel/Access/PowerPoint or similar software.

• Instruct patients on how to verbalize sounds and articulate/improve their voices
• Teach alternative communication methods, such as sign language, the use of AAC devices or any other external communication method necessary to facilitate patient’s ability to communicate
• Work with patients to increase their ability to read and write correctly
• Work with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow
• Counsel patients and families on how to cope with communication disorders
• Recommend and/or involve social services to assist the patient with ADL's
• Assess and record patients’ activities and progress for evaluating clients, for billing, and for reporting to physicians and other healthcare providers
• Update management if there are any needs for equipment or repairs
• Inform management of any dangerous conditions in the department
• Maintain continuing education hours
• Participate in any of the regularly scheduled staff and departmental meetings
• Participate in practice building and growth
• Assist in the transitioning of patients from the lobby to the treatment room.  Extreme awareness of those severs patients that may use the transition process to “run” or “dart” away is necessary to ensure that those patients are not allowed to put themselves in harm’s way.  Note location of all exits when transitioning patients and maintain a high level of alert to insure they do not “run” or “dart” outside of the building.
• Absence of a positive criminal background history.