Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow - Full Time - Temporary

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow (SLP-CF or CF) is a mentored professional experience that begins after the completion of academic course work and clinical practicum. The goal of the Clinical Fellowship is to allow the CF to transition between being a student enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders (CSD) program and being an independent provider of speech-language pathology clinical services. The purpose of the CF is to integrate and apply the knowledge from academic education and clinical training, evaluate strengths and identify limitations, develop and refine clinical skills consistent with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, and advance the CF from needing constant supervision to being an independent practitioner. Under general direction, provide services including evaluation, diagnosis, goal setting, treatment planning, individual therapy, and family/patient education and training in order to enhance speech-language proficiency and communication effectiveness; perform related duties as required. This position will allow the incumbent, under the supervision of the Clinical Instructor, to obtain the experience and develop the responsibility to diagnosis speech/hearing disorders and provide therapy and education in treatment of the disorders. Those who complete the requirements of the CF with California licensure as an SLP may be promoted to the Speech Pathologist classification without further examination, subject to recommendation of the Therapy Department and the approval of Human Resources.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited communication sciences and disorders program with a Masters or Doctorate degree in SLP.
Prior to the start of the Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship, the Clinical Fellow must have an active temporary license through the state of California under the Speech-Language Pathology required professional experience program.
Must possess and maintain a current American Heart Association Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card; Appointees not possessing the BLS card must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the BLS card within 30 days of employment
Knowledge of current principles, methods, techniques, equipment and materials used in speech-language pathology.
Knowledge of possible reactions of and hazards to patients during treatment, and of precautionary and remedial measure.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to treatment and physiological problems of persons with disabling conditions.
Ability to organize and implement speech therapy treatment programs.
Ability to conduct individual and group treatment programs.
Ability to interpret and adapt physician’s orders and/or written reports.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with patients, families, staff and others.
Ability to maintain excellent customer relations.
Ability to perform essential physical/mental requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, including but not limited to: sitting for long periods, demonstrate good vision, color perception, hearing and articulation, and demonstrate good decision making and concentration skills.

Nice To Haves

Those who complete the requirements of the CF with California licensure as an SLP may be promoted to the Speech Pathologist classification without further examination, subject to recommendation of the Therapy Department and the approval of Human Resources.
If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.
If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

Responsibilities

Perform assessment management of dysphagia including bedside swallowing evaluation, modified barium swallow study; assign appropriate diet levels to avoid aspiration.
Conduct and document a thorough assessment of the patient to determine and diagnose communicative deficits and equipment needs.
Develop and implement an individualized treatment program based on the initial evaluation and containing achievable functional goals.
Instruct ancillary staff in appropriate procedures and provide supervision in accordance with applicable regulations.
Chart processes in a clear and concise manner using prescribed format.
Assess and revise treatment plans accordingly.
Orient patients to program services and treatment procedures appropriate to their needs.
Inform patients of any potential risk during procedure.
Work with nursing staff, patient and families to maximize patient’s use of functional abilities.
Instruct patients and family/other caregiver about therapeutic procedures to be continued by the patient at home following discharge.
Assist in the referral process when a patient requires additional services following discharge.
Maintain current knowledge of community resources.
Attend and participate in rehabilitation team conferences regarding patient progress, problems or needs.
Attend and participate in other department/facility meetings, as required.
Access continuing education opportunities appropriate to discipline and responsibilities in order to maintain clinical currency.
Participate in and/or provide in-service education sessions.
Participate in the quality improvement process by responding appropriately to results of medical record audit, patient satisfaction surveys, safety activities and regulatory requirements.
Promote the programs and services of the organization through formal and informal interactions with the community.
Act in compliance with organization, regulatory and professional standards and guidelines.
Adhere to facility policies and procedures and participate in facility quality improvement and safety programs.
Perform other duties as assigned and required to provide quality care to patients.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.