Duties DUTY 1: Conducts, plans, and coordinates all clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary speech/language pathology practices. Has full professional responsibility for cases that are difficult and complex, both in terms of the severity of the communications impairment and the presence of complicating physical and emotional factors that impinge on the treatment process. Complex cases range from the ability to form basic speech sounds due to paralysis up to total loss of oral communications abilities combined with other physical or mental condition that complicate the treatment situation. Independently formulates and conducts diagnostic evaluation and therapy for patients with severe communication, swallowing disorders, and other upper aero-digestive disabilities, in combination with other physical, mental and/or social handicaps, and whose severity makes rehabilitative procedures difficult to define and prognosis unpredictable. Administers a full range of tests of speech, language, voice, fluency, and cognition. This includes selection and use of appropriate test materials, techniques, and advanced technologies (e.g., videofluoroscopic swallow studies, fiberoptic endoscopic swallow studies, rigid and flexible videostrobolaryngoscopy, aerodynamic/acoustic voice assessment technology, etc); evaluation of patients for augmentative communication systems (e.g., iphone, ipad, Dynavox systems, etc.); and selection, fit. and establishment of effective use of prosthetic/adaptive devices for speech, swallow or other upper aero-digestive disabilities (Tracheoesophageal Prosthesis (TEP) one-way speaking valves). Responsible for planning, conducting, and coordinating the clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services to maximize and restore to the greatest extent possible physical and social functioning. Treatment and methodologies take the widest advantage of available technologies and evidence-based practices. Maintains collaboration with other health care practitioners; establishes and maintains an effective therapy relationship with the patient, family and caregivers; and adjusts treatment plan to patient response and indicators of progress. Interfaces with other members of the professional staff and off-base providers in coordinating continuity of patient care. Serves as a consultant to other facility personnel involving the most difficult and complex cases and is a recognized subject matter expert on matters related to speech, language voice, fluency, cognitive-communication, swallowing disorders, and upper aero-digestive disabilities. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ DUTY 2: Serves as member of the professional Military Treatment Facility medical staff. Complies with hospital plans and policies to meet recognized accrediting agencies (such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or Joint Commission) requirements. Participates in continuing education programs to update and maintain skills and knowledge in accordance with Medical Group (MDG) and unit policies including department in-services education. Attends professional meetings, briefings and seminars related to specialty, maintaining continuing education units required by employing organization, state licensing requirements, and other governing organizations. Actively participates and contributes to medical oversight activities such as peer review programs. Serves as a Speech/Language Pathology clinical preceptor for other medical personnel who may include Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, medical technicians, etc. Participates in hospital/clinic committee work as determined by the Chief of the Medical Staff commensurate with others of the same specialty performing like duties. As required, provides didactic and clinical teaching in the area of speech/language pathology to speech- pathology students and interns. Provides professional guidance and conducts professional and staff education programs concerning clinical/unit/MDG policies, procedures, and/or operating instructions. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ DUTY 3: Ensures temporal, quantity, and quality demands of the workload are met by meeting or exceeding Air Force business standards. Stays abreast of organizations changing mission requirements, researches and predicts the personnel and equipment needs of the clinic in order to support mission readiness for the present and future. Maintains knowledge of contemporary assessment and treatment techniques, technology, and equipment in order to make sound decisions regarding equipment needs. Plans and revises own work schedule to accommodate patient and organizations needs. Develops clinical practice guidelines (CPG) and participates in specialty clinics (Head and Neck Cancer Board/Tumor Board, Motor Disorders Clinic, Craniofacial Anomalies Board, etc.). Uses Composite Health Care System (CHCS), AHLTA (the DoD electronic outpatient health record), Essentris (DoD electronic inpatient health record), Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and other software programs in association with clinical record keeping and other administrative duties. May participate in clinical research related to communication sciences, swallowing disorders, or other upper aero-digestive functions. During the course of research coordinates with staff and/other professionals in the field in designing and conducting specialized research studies to further professional knowledge and operations. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Perform other duties as assigned