OFFERING A $2500 SIGN-ON BONUS PAYABLE IN TWO INSTALLMENTS - 50% AFTER 90 DAYS - 50% AFTER ONE YEAR

Major Responsibilities:

• Provision of Patient Care
• Plans appropriate treatment programs for patients of all ages (depending on area of assignment) based on physician referral, evaluation results, patient/family goals and interests, sound clinical judgment and other pertinent available information. Responsible for maintaining a productive schedule of 3.0 WLU's per productive hour worked. Alerts manager of significant openings and/or cancellations in their daily schedule.
  • Administers daily treatment ensuring that the treatment plan is age-appropriate and adjusted as necessary in order to meet the changing needs of the patient.
  • Successfully completes all competency assessments pertaining to provision of patient care (including annual completion of 2.0 hours of Stroke Education per DNV guideline)
  • Provides special services such as video swallow studies.
  • Communicates with team members, other professionals, family members and caregivers for the purpose of sharing information that will assist in achieving optimum care for the patient. Establishes effective rapport with patients, family members, and other professionals.
  • Selects appropriate adaptive communication devices for patients and provides appropriate instruction in the maintenance and use of such equipment.
  • Maintains responsibility for patient plan of care and provides directions and recommendations regarding treatment and goals implemented by assistive personnel.
  • Provides education to the patient and family, or significant others based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses learning readiness, preferences and learning barriers.
  • Participation in community education programs and marketing is encouraged.
  • With other team members, recognizes the need for termination of treatment and effectively plans discharge which may include establishing home treatment plans and/or arranging for equipment/devices. Maintains a safe environment for patients.
• Patient Assessment
  • Selects appropriate speech-language pathology assessment procedures to assess the abilities and limitations of patients of all ages, depending on area of assignment.
  • Administers and interprets initial speech-language pathology assessments which determine the patient's status in the following areas of function: verbal expression, non-verbal communication, auditory comprehension, written expression, reading comprehension, cognition, swallowing skills and the need for swallowing precautions, articulation, fluency, voice and the need for augmentative systems.
  • Establishes short and long terms goals, which are functional and measurable.
  • Evaluates patient progress towards goals and expected outcomes.
  • Completes all pertinent assessment competencies.
• Documentation
  • Completes all documentation according to departmental policy.
• Daily Operations
  • Performs other duties such as entering charges for all services rendered on the day delivered, scheduling patients, maintaining a clean work environment, and serving on departmental committees and in program development efforts as appropriate.
  • Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives as requested.
  • Participates in the continuous quality improvement projects.
  • Follows appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to patient care, equipment and the general working environment. Promptly reports any problems to rehab manager, and follows appropriate Advocate Sherman Hospital policies and procedures.
  • Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, in-services and continuing education programs. May supervise speech pathology students at the request of the Rehab Department's Center Coordinator of Clinical Education after obtaining Certificate of Clinical Competence/full year of clinical experience.
  • Complies with organizational and departmental patient satisfaction initiatives. Routinely meets the needs and expectation of patients and their families.
  • Upholds the policies and procedures of Advocate Sherman Hospital.
  • Performs other duties as assigned (i.e. supply ordering, etc.).

Licensure:

• Speech Language Pathologist

Education/Experience Required:

• Masters degree in Speech Pathology from an accredited school. Maintains continuing education requirements as mandated by professional standards

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good interpersonal skills and communication Competent knowledge in a variety of diagnostic and treatment techniques Recognition of needs and behaviors of specific age groups
• Licensed or eligible to practice in the State of Illinois CPR Certification BCLS CFY eligible

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• -May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases -Direct contact with body fluids -Pushing, pulling, lifting patients -Ability to assist, escort, and respond to patient needs for extended periods of time -May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. (Full time/part time staff coming on board at Advocate Sherman Hospital have the minimum requirement of working one weekend shift per month and one holiday/year in the inpatient setting. Zero hour (registry staff) have the minimum requirement of working 2 weekend shifts per month and one holiday/year in the inpatient setting).
• This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.