Feeding Therapist - Full Time - Pediatric Center, Lanham MD

The Feeding Therapist will participate in multidisciplinary and individual evaluations and will provide a full range of individual and group diagnostic and rehabilitative services in accordance with the accepted speech-language pathology or occupational therapy national standards. He/she will comply with documentation and other facility requirements in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and company policies.

• Minimum Education
  Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) accredited institution. (Required)
  
  Minimum Work Experience
  1 year Evaluating and treating dysphagia and feeding disorders (1 year required, 2 years preferred) (Required)

Experience in physical disabilities setting obtain either in an acute care or rehabilitation facility (Preferred)
Due to extensive training required, a two-year commitment to the program is required (Required)

• 
  Required Licenses and Certifications
  Current/ eligible for District of Columbia licensure for Speech-Language Pathology or Occupational Therapy. (Required) Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) (Required) Or
  Current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). (Required)
  Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association. (Required)
  
  Job Functions
  Essential job duties:
• Perform multidisciplinary and individual evaluations and document pertinent results, including patient and/or family interview, review of pertinent background information, observations, standardized and other objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings, within timeframes consistent with care setting and department policy.

• Discuss evaluation results with patient/caregiver and appropriate healthcare team members and respond to questions appropriately.

• When treatment is appropriate, provide recommendations (including need for further assessment, follow up or referrals for additional services), information concerning the frequency, estimate of duration/type of service required and prognosis. Identify discharge-planning needs with consideration of patient's medical, psychological, behavioral and socioeconomic status.

• Identify and consider patient/caregiver expectations and limitations when developing plan of care.

• Set measurable and realistic long and short-term goals based on the patient's medical status, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s), discharge plans and patient/family input.

• Refer patient to appropriate practitioner when patient need is outside scope of expertise.

• Effectively and independently, treat patient using established plan of care and in accordance to professional standards and established regulations set forth by HSC, ASHA, AOTA, the Department of Health, The Joint Commission and CARF.

• Periodically re-evaluate and modify treatment plan and goals as indicated based on patient's medical status, response to treatment, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s) and discharge plans.

• Involve patient/family and/or other caregiver(s) in goal development and plan of care to include discharge planning.

• Instruct and encourage patient, family members and/or caregiver(s) involvement in therapeutic activities (e.g. home programs, equipment use and care).

• Verify and document patient/caregiver understanding of information.

• Make appropriate referrals for equipment and community involvement by time of discharge.

• Follow established documentation policies and guidelines regarding initial evaluations, treatment/progress notes, teaching records, and discharge summaries as set forth by the department.

• Complete patient charges accurately and timely.

• Utilize outcome measurement tools as per established guidelines.

• Achieve productivity, at the discretion of the Program Manager, averaging 62.5%.

• Conduct staff in-services.

• Responsible for supporting the clinical education program as assigned.

• Appropriately delegate assignments and provide supervision to Rehabilitation Technicians and/or other support personnel.

• Assist with the development and/or revision of departmental policies and procedures.

• As appropriate, effectively handle administrative/shared responsibilities.

• Make suggestions regarding purchase of new equipment and supplies when necessary.

• Maintain equipment and supplies in a clean and orderly condition.

• Demonstrate familiarity with all policies and procedures of the Hospital and the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

• Maintain skills, licensure, regulatory requirements and credentials necessary to perform assigned duties.

• Complete required or necessary orientation, annual training and in-services and ensure maintenance of all required competencies.

• Ensure timely and cooperative inter- and intra-departmental relationships and communications throughout the hospital/ hospital system and with individuals external to the hospital/ hospital system.

• Assist with the monitoring and evaluation process for important aspects of care for the Department via performance improvement programs.

• Facilitate and support department compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations and standards, including those governing professional practice. Assumes responsibility for meeting requirements specified by The Joint Commission /DOH and other relevant regulatory agencies and organizations.

Other job duties:

• May perform other duties in addition to those outlined in this job description.

Organizational Accountabilities
Organizational Accountabilities (Staff)
Employee Excellence

• Demonstrates understanding of quality of service and collaborates with co-workers to ensure excellence standard is achieved

• Innovates through improvement of care and/or efficiency of operational processes.

• Dedicated to a standard of performance excellence and high quality

All In

• Embraces changes/improvements and actively participates in the implementation of new/improved programs, technology, new equipment, systems and resources that promote quality of care, safety and efficiency

• Identifies, prioritizes and selects alternative solutions to determine best outcome

Action Oriented

• Maintains a high level of activity/productivity, meeting deadlines and appropriately prioritizing tasks to meet business demands

• Anticipates problems and attempts to solve before they develop

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure

• Category I: Job usually involves contact with patients or patient specimens. Exposure to blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or tissue specimens, is possible.

Protected Health Information Access Level

• Level IV - Full Access Incumbents in this job may access any protected health information associated to a customer's needs, the service(s) rendered and the position's functions.

Working Environment

• This job operates in a hospital or office environment.

Physical Requirements

• Light Work: Lifting 25 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs.

Travel Requirements

• None