Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist

LICENSED SPEECH & LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

JOB OBJECTIVE:

Provide quality speech and language therapy evaluation, treatment and client/family education and training to maximize functional independence and self-care.  Maintain quality assurance; participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team; and assist in developing staff in-service trainings. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide Direct Services

• Evaluate clients referred for speech therapy services using established evaluation procedures and standardized assessments.
• Develop treatment goals, plans and objectives based upon the initial evaluation and program requirements, and update plans per Agency policy.
• Develop and provide coaching for family members and/or client to incorporate new skills and/or techniques into normal routines and activities at home.
• Instruct family members and/or clients in the proper and safe usage of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Assist in the coordination of services and make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Maintain supplies and materials in good condition.

Comply with State, Federal and Other Relevant Regulations

• Record client treatments, responses, and progress in designated systems.
• Complete all daily documentation, progress notes, and discharge reports in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain all client progress reports and documentation, in compliance with agency or program rules and regulations.
• Review client charts for quality assurance on a biannual basis.
• Attend client planning meetings as required.
• Comply with privacy laws and requirements under HIPAA regulations and understand the consequences of non-compliance.  Maintain disclosures to the minimum necessary.  Access only the protected health information necessary to complete job duties.
• Follow all safety procedures as required by organization policy and procedure and understand the consequences of non-compliance.

Supervise and/or Provide Direction to staff

• Supervise therapists in their clinical fellowship year.
• Serve as a clinical instructor for students.

Participate in and Provide Training for Staff and Participants

• Attend continuing education to meet and maintain licensure and certification standards.
• Assist in the development and presentation of staff in-service trainings regarding safety issues, feeding techniques, and other related topics as directed.
• Attend and participate in clinical meetings, general staff meetings or in-services.

Develop and Maintain Positive Relationships with Customers and Referral Sources

• Provide exceptional customer service, both internally and externally.
• Maintain an effective and professional working relationship with consumers and their families/care providers, co-workers, and referral sources.
• Work and communicate as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Transfer, lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds

Ability to repetitively move from sitting to standing position with and without resistance.

Walking, squatting, crawling, kneeling

Moving mats and equipment

Standing for periods of up to 30 minutes   

Brief sitting

Fine dexterity

Reaching, stretching, bending

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed as a Speech and Language Pathologist in the state of Illinois.
• Certified in Early Intervention
• Evaluator credential in Early Intervention preferred
• Certification in Infant/Child CPR and Basic First Aid from an approved provider.
• Current valid driver's license, proof of insurance and a driving record that meets the standards of the agency.
• Employment contingent upon satisfactory criminal background check (possible fingerprinting) TB test, physical exam, clear drug screen, and/or other medical examinations in conformance with licensing/certification or agency requirements.
• The ability to speak, understand and write English in a manner that is sufficient to effectively communicate with consumers, supervisors, employees, and others based on the assumption that such individuals can only speak and understand English.  Bi-lingual Spanish speaking persons are encouraged to apply. 

SPECIALIZED SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE:

• Interact with participants, families and staff in a positive manner

• Knowledge of best pediatric speech and language therapy practices

• Familiarity with physical disabilities and developmental issues

• Comprehension of Easterseals’ operating policies and procedures

• Understanding of demographics and population served

• Knowledge of safety and infection control

• Knowledge of legal regulations and compliance standards