GENERAL SUMMARY:

Conducts clinical feeding evaluations, oral pharyngeal motility studies (OPMS or deglutition studies) and assists with FEEs on the pediatric patient with feeding problems, swallowing dysfunction or related issues. Provides evaluation, input to treatment plans, implementation of plans, and follow up to inpatients, clinic and outpatients as well as education to individuals across the continuum of care who are responsible for feeding patients. Full/part staff provides “on call” consultation both inpatient and outpatient. On call is done on a rotating status with other FSS team members. Works as a member of the multidisciplinary Feeding and Growth Management Team. Is knowledgeable of pediatric growth and development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Analyzes information obtained from patient history and physical plus feeding history to assess need for further diagnostic and clinical evaluation of pediatric patient who presents with feeding problems, swallowing dysfunction and related issues.
• Analyzes information to make an accurate plan of evaluation for the patient with feeding problems, swallowing dysfunction and other related issues.
• Analyzes history to assure completeness and assesses for patient posture, positioning, developmental level and motor skills.
• Assesses patient and caregiver learning readiness needs as well as most effective strategies for learning.

• Conducts clinical feeding evaluation, OPMS and assists with FEEs on the pediatric patient to make recommendations regarding feeding and swallowing.
• Participates in the evaluation of current oral motor movements, patterns, respiratory status, timing of swallow, response to food texture, food temperature, feeding utensil and documents observations.
• Observes primary caregivers feeding techniques and interactions with child and documents observations.
• Performs OPMS and FEEs according to hospital procedure providing appropriate patient positioning, food texture and equipment.
• Analyzes videotape of deglutition study accurately to determine patient swallowing dysfunction.
• Compiles information from feeding evaluation, OPMS, FEEs and interprets to make appropriate, accurate and functional recommendations.
• Communicates diagnostic findings and clinical recommendations in written and/or verbal communication in a clear, concise and timely manner.

• Utilizes information obtained through the clinical feeding, OPMS and FEEs evaluations and history to develop and modify in collaboration with other healthcare disciplines and patient/caregiver, patient treatment goals and a multidisciplinary plan of care.
• Collaborates with other healthcare disciplines, supplying accurate and complete evaluations for the purpose of determining a patient treatment program, goals and therapy.
• Involves patient/caregiver in goal setting and discharge planning.
• Provides written goals and treatment plans in a timely manner.

• Provides feeding therapy in the inpatient, outpatient and clinic settings to maximize the patient’s potential for meeting feeding and swallowing goals through collaboration and open, 2-way communication.
• Utilizes national standards, research based practice guidelines and best practice protocols to provide individualized therapy.
• Educates caregivers and other professionals on appropriate methods of feeding to meet goals utilizing effective teaching strategies.
• Provides case management coordination and communication with caregivers, other healthcare professionals, other agencies and third party payors.
• Assists patient, caregivers and multidisciplinary team members in prioritizing goals, setting realistic expectations and development plans of care that are patient/caregiver focused and outcome oriented.
• Assists patient, caregivers with identifying and obtaining outside resources.
• Utilizes effective communication and education skills with patient, caregiver, professionals and other care providers.
• Proactively pursues opportunities to collaborate with other care providers maintaining focus on patient needs/priorities.
• Provides and accepts information from all members of the multidisciplinary team and utilizes the information to facilitate goal accomplishment.
• Records on-going documentation that is an objective measure of the patient’s status, response to care, progress towards goals, discharge plan, education, collaboration/coordination, barriers to goal achievement.
• Records services for statistical and billing purposes in a timely manner.

• Monitors patient progress/outcomes and in consultation with the Feeding and Growth management team or other healthcare providers and caregiver, modifies the treatment plan as necessary
• Monitors patient progress with treatment program and communicates effectively with the caregiver and other members of the healthcare team on a timely basis.
• Revises the plan, in writing, with input from the patient/caregiver and/or other members of the healthcare team.
• Identifies when patient has achieved maximum potential and discharges patient appropriately.

• Assists with department development through education, collaboration and marketing with co-workers, caregivers, students and the community, openly sharing knowledge and expertise and providing feedback in a timely, easily understood, objective and professional manner.
• Actively participates in planning, revising and implementing programs.
• Provides professional and community educational programs based upon identified needs.
• Willingly shares knowledge and expertise in a professional, open manner within the hospital and community.
• Facilitates growth and skill development by providing open, honest, objective feedback to others

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Accepts and completes additional assignments willingly.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeable about basic pediatric speech therapy principles and practices required.
• Advanced training in swallowing evaluation and treatment, and radiographic swallowing evaluation techniques through accredited course work.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Requires knowledge of theories, principles, concepts acquired by completing a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy. Masters Degree preferred.
• Requires registration from the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy or Certificate of Clinical Competence from American Speech, Language Hearing Association.
• Requires current Nebraska State Licensure in Speech Pathology.
• 2 years experience in assessment and treatment of pediatric dysphagia preferred.
• 2-3 years experience in pediatric occupational or speech therapy required.
• 2-3 years experience in pediatric Feeding and Swallowing evaluation/diagnostic and treatment therapy preferred.
• Must be certified in Basic Cardiac Life Support.
• Orientation time of 9 months.