The speech therapist is responsible for providing safe and effective delivery of patient care through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient and family needs within the parameters of the Illinois Speech-Language and Audiology Practice Act in order to deliver care promoting optimal recovery and rehabilitation.  The speech therapist promotes safe and effective care to all age groups from infants to geriatrics, coordinating care with the physician and any others involved in the patient’s care.  The speech therapist will provide care throughout the continuum and rotate through the various therapy sites as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Supports patient’s rights and responsibilities, including respect of cultural and religious diversity.
2. Demonstrates flexibility to meet staffing needs of department/organization and appearance.
3. Meets productivity standards, accepting low census time and/or extra time as needed.
4. Demonstrates leadership abilities while appropriately following the chain of command.
5. Performs and evaluates appropriate and complete evaluation based on patient diagnoses and specific to care, leading to appropriate care planning decisions.
6. Provides age-appropriate and population specific care in a safe, skillful, accurate and efficient manner to adolescents, adults and geriatrics as appropriate to treatment area(s)
7. Assesses patient and family learning needs and provides ongoing education and evaluation.  Documents readiness to learn, teaching, barriers and outcomes.
8. Reassesses significant change in patient’s condition and updates care plan appropriately.
9. Identifies patient care to formulate and/or contribute to the discharge plan.
10. Completes documentation accurately and in a timely manner, according to hospital policies and procedures.

Working Conditions: Exposure Category I:  Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.  All procedures or other job-related tasks that involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues, or a potential for spills or splashes of them, are Category I tasks.  Use of appropriate protective measures is required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.

Physical Activity:

                                                                                                                NA          0-25%    26-75%     76-100%

Lift/Carry                                                                                                                  X

Push/Pull                                                                                                                  X

Reach Overhead                                                                                                    X

Climb                                                                                                                        X

Squat/Bend/Kneel                                                                                                  X

Sit                                                                                                                              X

Stand                                                                                                                        X

Walk/Move About                                                                                                                    X

The most significant duties have been included in this description.  Other duties may be assigned and the hospital has the right to modify this job description as needed to accurately reflect assigned duties.

Service and Quality Standards:

1. Service

Is Customer focused

Anticipates customer needs

Adheres to customer service standards

Is Competent, caring and compassionate

Treats coworkers and customers with dignity and respect

Demonstrates competent, caring and compassionate behavior to customers and coworkers

2. People

Is conversation conscious

Assures confidentiality of patient and employee information

Is positive in interactions with others

Is courteous and respectful

 Promotes a harassment free environment

 Inspires the trust of others

Acts in accordance with hospital policies, meets the requirements of the Code of Excellence/Code of Conduct, and identifies any conflicts of interest 

3. Quality

Is excellent in patient care and service

Demonstrates multidisciplinary cooperation

 Assists in obtaining excellent satisfaction scores of feedback

Is safety conscious

Demonstrates safety consciousness and supports safety initiatives

Is involved with improvement efforts

Supports performance improvement

 Seeks ways to improve systems and services

 Shows commitment to improvement efforts

 Meets mandatory educational requirements

4. Growth

Is a loyal ambassador

Demonstrates commitment to hospital mission and vision

Is active and involved

Supports hospital initiatives

Champions innovation and supports change

Is a positive role model

Fosters team cooperation

5. Finance

Is a good steward of hospital resources

Develops/uses efficient work methods

Is cost effective

Conserves organizational resources