JOB SUMMARY This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job. Provides diagnostic evaluations and treatment for patients with communication disorders, including speech, hearing and language problems. Addresses articulation, fluency and voice and utilizes augmentative and alternative communications systems for patient to improve communication skills when indicated. Evaluates and treats cognitive deficits, and evaluates swallowing disorders at the bedside by video fluoroscopy. The Speech-Language Pathologist III is recognized as an expert in the field of Speech-Language Pathology with considerable experience and significant expertise in a specialized area. The clinician develops and implements clinical and community teaching opportunities in area of specialization to expand the skills of rehabilitation professionals and other clinical staff. In addition to handling a case load of clients, develops and implements clinical research in specialty area of expertise relating to patient care and publishes research results. Provides expert guidance/consultation to other therapists and health care professionals in area of expertise. Supervises patient care responsibilities of Speech Pathology student interns and speech pathologists who are completing the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) at the hospital. Participates in new program development, departmental performance improvement, development of departmental policies and procedures and other specialized programs. Provides leadership in service improvement and development for the department and staff. Speech Language Pathologists assigned to treat pediatric patients at LPCH provide intervention to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with disorders that affect development of behavioral skills within the professional scope of practice. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings. Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct. * Alleviates impairment and functional limitation by designing, implementing and modifying therapeutic interventions appropriate to patient's diagnosis, impairments and prognosis; Adapts treatment plans based on continuous assessment, progress made and patient goals. * Completes yearly project within clinical specialty area, which is research and/or evidence-based driven to maintain level III status. Plans and presents an inservice at least once a year in a specific patient care area. * Develops appropriate treatment plans that include specific treatment methods, duration and frequency of treatment, and goals; Selects and administers appropriate assessment and treatment techniques. Performs age appropriate competency skills in area of practice and with respect to individual patient's problems. * Discharges patient from treatment when appropriate with adequate discharge planning including equipment procurement and family training, and communicates this appropriately to patient, family and health care team. * Identifies departmental performance improvement issues and participates in performance improvement activities, e.g. chart reviews, revision of documentation forms, workflow studies, etc. Regularly re-evaluates patient care services and programs, and completes assignments in the departmental plan to improve services. Contributes to the development of departmental policies and procedures. Conducts new program development, for example by developing treatment protocols for new patient populations. * Identifies needs for equipment repair or upgrade to maintain quality of care. Makes recommendations for selection and purchase of specific equipment and supplies. * In conjunction with medical team, completes effective differential diagnosis and interprets diagnostic findings of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disabilities. * Initiates and participates in a leadership role in the multidisciplinary care planning to meet the needs of each patient and family, including participation in rounds and patient care conferences, communicating with and teaching other care providers. Performs off-site visits and contacts community agencies as necessary to provide continuity of service between hospital and community * Organizes and maintains a patient caseload consistent with department productivity standards. Informs supervisor if problems arise related to the delivery of patient care or caseload volume. Ensures documentation and billing are timely, accurate and complete, including precautions, monthly and discharge summaries. * Participates in Department, team, and discipline and/or unit meetings. * Performs all necessary patient care documentation, including assessment, plan of care, progress notes, discharge summaries, and charges for evaluation and treatment. Documentation reflects patient status, progress or change, participation by patient and family in goal setting and delivery of care. * Performs complex patient care tasks with advanced skills in clinical reasoning, problem-solving and treatment interventions. Assesses and treats patients within the CA Licensing Board and the American Speech and Hearing Association scope of practice, including, but not limited to cognitive and perceptual status, swallow evaluation and treatment, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, voice, equipment procurement, and family training and education. * Provides direct patient care that meets department and professional standards of practice, including patient assessment, development of speech pathology care plan, patient treatment, family/caregiver training and discharge planning. May serve as a clinician in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.