Speech Pathologist

Position Description : Speech Pathologist

Position Title : Speech Pathologist

Team : Speech Pathology Services

Reports To : Speech Pathology Clinical Lead

Location : Bunbury / Manning / Manjimup

Hours : Fulltime 38 hours / Part time X hours / Casual

Pay Banding Level : PB001-PB002

Authority Level : Level 1 - Therapy Team

Primary Purpose : The primary focus of a Speech Pathologist is to ensure high quality service provision.

Principle Accountabilities

• Clinical Responsibilities :
• Responsible for the Speech Pathology management of individuals with a variety of conditions including neurological and developmental conditions.
• To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment to measure client progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.
• To provide Speech Pathology input into comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment, treatment and discharge.
• To discuss services and treatment options with potential clients and / or their primary caregivers.
• To provide comprehensive assessment, costing and rehabilitation reports, including recommendations to Case Managers, Insurers, primary health organisations, private organisations and / or local authorities.
• To ensure that clients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their rehabilitation plans wherever possible.
• To provide support, consultation and advice on relevant Speech Pathology issues to clients and caregivers.
• To contribute to the management of complex cases, ensuring the coordination of services involved such as health, social, statutory and voluntary services.
• To adapt practice to meet individual clients' circumstances, including cultural, social, linguistic differences, and their cognitive and physical disabilities.
• To demonstrate high level of clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice.
• To contribute to clients' care and service delivery by developing skills beyond one's own professional training.
• Communication :
• To use appropriate methods of communication with clients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential and understanding of the condition.
• To provide specialist Speech Pathology Management plans, advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers, and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of therapy and ensure a consistent approach to patient care.
• To communicate effectively and collaboratively with all health and social care sectors to ensure delivery of a coordinated service, including case conferences, joint sessions, and documentation.
• To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent, and work within a legal framework with clients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
• To work in collaboration with / refer various schemes (NDIS / ICWA / DVA etc.) and Primary Health Organisations (State Head Injury Unit, Fiona Stanley etc.) in response to patient needs.
• To contribute to regular goal planning and ensure information sharing / communication on a frequent basis.
• To deliver detailed Speech Pathology management plans, concepts, and ideas to clients and carers, using high levels of communication skills with clients who may have severe cognitive and physical impairments or may be in a highly emotional state.
• To reinforce diagnosis of terminal, progressive, and non-recovering conditions in a skilled and empathetic manner.
• To lead several complex cases as the primary clinician, ensuring seamless service by responding promptly and liaising with other services as needed.
• Research, Development and Service Improvement :
• To participate in planning, development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of the speech pathology service in line with national and NICE guidelines.
• To advise Clinical and Team Leaders on service delivery issues.
• To be responsible for implementing clinical policies and protocols.
• To lead service development and improvements.
• To ensure high quality assurance over clinical services.
• Financial Responsibility :
• To assess and identify equipment needs based on clinical requirements, funded privately or through requests to agencies.
• To be aware of clients' funding arrangements and restrictions from third parties.
• To liaise with third parties when appropriate.
• Teaching, Training and Professional Development :
• To participate in teaching and training staff and professionals as agreed.
• To develop a Clinical Professional Development Portfolio and Personal Development Plan, documenting progress in clinical expertise, in collaboration with Anderson NDS pathways.
• To demonstrate clinical skills to clients, carers, colleagues, and other agencies.

All therapists are responsible for fostering a positive team culture that encourages innovation and participation in service improvement within a safe, supportive, and efficient environment.

This position description is not exhaustive; the incumbent may be asked to perform any reasonable task within the scope of the role as required by the Physiotherapist.

Vulnerable Children

Due to contact with children, Andersons is committed to child protection. You will undergo Safety Checks under the Children and Community Service Act 2004 (WA) at hire and as per legislation. A working with children clearance must always be maintained.

Key Relationships

Internal

External

Essential Person Specific Qualifications and Licenses

Experience

Values

You agree to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to perform a variety of tasks to promote and support our initiatives.

You are required to meet the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requirements as set out in the Anderson Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. This includes successfully completing any health and safety training provided by us.

You are required to maintain a standard of health which will allow for the performance of all duties and functions of the position.

Legal Requirements

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