Job Description

Speech Language Pathologist

Job Code

30000841

Basic Function

The Speech-Language Pathologist is a professional who provides a range of speech-language pathology services, for patients with various speech, language "swallowing" and communication disorders.

Scope

Working within Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare Nursing & Clinical Services Department in Dhahran, Al Hasa, Udhailiyah, Ras Tanura, and Abqaiq.

Following a valid referral from any JHAH professional, the Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for screening the patient and identifying the most appropriate plan of care. The Speech-Language Pathologist conducts comprehensive assessments for patients with various disorders, such as (but not limited to): Language and Articulation disorders, Apraxia, Dysarthria, Stuttering, Voice disorders, Dysphagia and Feeding disorders and other cognitive-linguistic disorders. The Speech-Language Pathologist provides assessment and management services to both pediatric and adult patients with various diagnosis such as, (but not limited to): Developmental language delays, Autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Selective mutism, Social-communication disorders, Hearing impairment, Aphasia, and other Neuro-behavioral medical conditions. The Speech-Language Pathologist provides interventions that may include one-on-one weekly therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, parent coaching, and conducting parent workshops. The Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for recording, and evaluating the patients' responses and progress throughout therapy, with planned periodic re-evaluations to update the patient's goals. The Speech-Language Pathologist collaborates with schedulers and other clerical staff in the clinic in managing all administrative patient care related duties. Seeks continued developmental improvement from other SLPs in the clinic and reports to the SLP- Team Lead or Supervisor of Rehabilitation Services. Achieves core competency skills in a minimum of two SLP areas (E.g. fluency, voice, articulation etc.) Conducts oneself ethically within the scope of practice and responsibilities for an Speech-Language Pathologist. Work hours are assigned to meet operational needs. Hours may include on call and scheduled overtime. Direction is through the service team leader and Rehabilitation Unit Supervisor.

Principal Contacts

Ongoing with patients and their families home caregivers for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the speech-language pathology plan of care; with new hire and newly assigned staff for orientation and integration into the unit; routinely with Physicians/Surgeons, nurses and other medical staff members to report changes in the patient's condition and/or needs, and coordinate the speech language pathology/rehabilitation program. Occasional public and community contact through communicating policy changes, revisions, and/or introduction of new work rules. Occasional with other JHAH personnel and outside services.

Principal Duties

1) ASSESSMENT: Performs a comprehensive assessment for the referred/identified disorder in addition to conducting a detailed oral-motor skills assessment and a complete review of the patient's medical history. Establishes functional goals, and designs a treatment plan in line with patient and family centered care. 2) IMPLEMENTATION/INTERVENTIONS: Provides Intervention services that will depend on the patient's diagnosis and special needs ensuring optimal care delivery. Provides individual and group based therapy sessions to facilitate the patient's functional communication skills. Communicates effectively with patient, family, caregivers, colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team to promote maximum benefit of care and rehabilitation. Provides evaluation / progress reports for medical charts and/ or in response to medical liaison requests and /or Medical Referral Committee, reviewed and approved by the SLP- Team lead/Supervisor. Creates a functional home-program for the patient to practice at home, incorporating demonstration sessions to ensure parent coaching for implementation of the home program. 3) EVALUATION: Assesses the effectiveness of treatment, re-evaluates the patient periodically and modifies treatment approaches to achieve goals. Assesses educational needs of the patient, family, or caregiver and provides education and educational material to meet those needs, documenting intervention in the Patient Teaching Record (PTR) Refers patients to appropriate services based on the evaluation of patient's needs. Plans for patient discharge. 4) PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS: Assist with clerical duties, such as preparing materials and scheduling activities as directed by the SLP Team leader. Assist with departmental operations (e.g. scheduling, recordkeeping, safety/maintenance of supplies and equipment). Participates in lifelong learning in accordance with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. 5) SAFETY Acts as in-service / Hazmat/ Safety coordinator for the Rehabilitation Unit as requested Informs SLP team Leader about any immediate safety/health risks or concerns within the SLP service (in-patient and out-patient)

Education

Completion of a formal program of professional speech-language pathology education recognized by JHAH Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (e.g. Speech-Language Pathology/Speech Therapy) from an accredited institution (U.S. standard or equivalent) is required.

Experience

Up to 2 years experience post Master's degree required.

Certifications/Other requirements as applicable

current medical licensure as a professional speech language pathologist. Fluency in English and Arabic languages, both oral and written required. Current BLS certificate Must be willing and able to work with multi-cultural and physically handicapped clients. Computer proficiency required Microsoft office applications preferred