Inpatient Speech/Language Pathologist, On Call, Hillsboro

Provides diagnostic and treatment interventions (depending first on the needs of the department and next on the speech pathologists area of specialization) to improve the patients speech/language, oral/facial musculature and structure, cognitive skills, voice, fluency, breathing and/or swallowing abilities to maximum potential. The Speech Pathologist will provide this treatment per physicians order and coordinate therapeutic activities with the patient, caregiver and other health care disciplines. The speech pathologist will work as part of the interdisciplinary team and follow the Kaiser and the department guidelines.
• Evaluates patients communication/articulation, physical, cognitive, breathing, swallowing status, functional abilities and age specific needs of patients to determine the current level of functioning, self-care, self- responsibility, independence and quality of life.

• Develops and implements a treatment plan which involves the patient, family, and social support system, identifies interventions to reach achievable goals, coordinates and collaborates on treatment options, advocates enhancing patients social support systems; facilitates appropriate environmental modifications. Provides treatments based on established departmental guidelines and protocols; provides skills based on competency check lists. This therapy involves providing treatment which takes into account the risks and benefits of that treatment regime relevant to the patients medical condition, rehabilitation potential and prognosis. Travels to various settings providing speech pathology services throughout the northwest region as determined by the needs of the department.

• Provides timely and complete documentation following department guidelines. Follows HIPPA, Medicare, Medicaide, JCAHO as well as state, organizational and department rules.

• Coordinates therapy activities with other health care disciplines. This includes coordinating services through consultation with the school systems and community agencies to ensure follow-up and continuing care as needed. Participates in quality and performance improvement activities within the department including but not limited to measurement and continuous improvement of clinical competency, regulatory compliance, outcome achievement, resource management, work team performance and customer satisfaction. Performs other duties as required.