Summary:

Assesses, diagnoses and treats disorders of Speech; articulation, fluency, and voice, Language; including expressive communication in oral, written, graphic and manual modalities, Oral, pharyngeal cervical esophageal and related functions including; swallowing disorders, oral function for feeding and orofacial myofunctional disorders, cognitive aspects of communication; including communication disability and other functional disabilities associated with cognitive impairment, Social aspects of communication; including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, lack of communication opportunities. Is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the plan of care for the person served. Performs and directs administration of all speech therapy modalities & collaborates throughout the process with the person served, his/her family and the interdisciplinary team. 

Responsibilities:

• Verifies physician orders prior to evaluation. Evaluates and diagnoses communication and swallowing disorders prior to administering treatments, incorporating psychological issues. Evaluations must include thorough reading of patient's chart & history; may include objective measurements relative to the patient?s diagnosis and condition. Establishes goals and plan of care in collaboration with the patient, his/her family and other healthcare workers as appropriate. Calls the physician if treatment ordered is not indicated.
• Administers and directs administration of all Speech Therapy treatment & modalities. Has knowledge of indications and contraindications. Checks frequently with patient for tolerance of modality given.
• Acquisitions appropriate equipment, checks for safety, and communicates the use of the equipment to the patient and family.
• Performs radiographic assessments of swallowing as ordered.
• Maintains contact with the referring physician regarding patient progress. Observes treatment effects & recommends changes to physician if indicated.
• Creates home programs for patients whenever indicated. Explains the program to patient, asking for return demonstrations and trains the family if needed.
• Directs and supervises Rehabilitation Assistants during Speech therapy treatments. Participates with on-the-job training of rehabilitation personnel.
• Maintains records of all patient treatments as required, information must include but is not limited to, subjective & objective information, assessment and plan for each treatment given or specific documentation for a specific area in which the therapy if provided.
• Promotes the team approach to delivery of rehabilitation services, while serving as a representative in the field of Speech Therapy.
• In collaboration with the rehabilitation team, develops and implements measures for quality assurance and participates in performance improvement activities.
• Maintains professional competence through continuing education and participation in appropriate professional groups. Obtains professional continuing education requirements to maintain licensure.
• Charges correlate with treatment session documentation and length of time in therapy.
• Maintains productivity standards.

Requirements:

Education:

• M.S. M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology, Communicative Disorders or equivalent certified program. Previous clinical experience in a hospital setting.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years post CFY experience with at least one year experience with neurologically impaired adults and dysphagia preferred. Experience with evaluation (including radiographic assessment) and treatment of dysphagia required.
• Demonstrates accountability and skills in assessment/evaluation, decision making and time management
• Should have strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication and organizational skills.

Certifications, Registrations, or Licenses:

• Current New Mexico Speech & Language Pathology licensure & BLS certification required.

Work Schedule:

5 Days - 8 Hours

Work Type:

Full Time

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About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.

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