Position Details Position Title Speech Pathologist Position Number Probationary Period 3 months ISR Review Period Location Reporting To Number of Direct Reports Coburg Team Leader Independent Living Nil Effective Date 1 July 2016 Position Summary Speech Pathologists funded under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program provide service to clients under the age of 65 (under 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) with a functional disability that risks a loss of independence. The HACC program operates in accordance with the principles of the Active Service Model (ASM), aiming to maximise clients and carers functional independence and their ability to participate fully in the community. This position is autonomous but interacts closely with other service providers and allied health staff, both internally and externally, as part of a multidisciplinary approach to care. It involves working in a number of settings providing centre-based, community and home-based assessment and management services for clients with congenital or acquired communication and/or swallowing problems Organisational Accountabilities Merri Health provides a range of services including dental, allied health and nursing, generalist and specialist counselling programs, aged and disability services, case management, family support, carer support programs, and social support programs for people with a mental illness as well as health promotion programs. A detailed description of services offered by Merri Health is provided at www.merrihealth.org.au. Key Accountabilities Clinical Speech Pathology assessment and management including education regarding health conditions and associated risks, prescription of evidence based low intensity therapy, review of programs as appropriate and referral to other allied health professionals and organisations as required. Development of Alternative and Augmentative Communication tools and provision of relevant training for clients and carers in a range of settings. Ensure health education is a component of each client contact. Undertake appropriate group work, including planning, implementation and evaluation. Develop and maintain links with external agencies and referral sources, including GPs, hospitals, private practices and other community service providers. Contribute to the planning and development of the Speech Pathology service and of the organisation as a whole. Assist with the implementation of Communication Accessibility standards across Merri Health sites. Page - 1 - of 6
Provide support and annual training to staff at reception and intake points on the adoption of practices consistent with Communication Accessibility standards. Supervision and teaching of Speech Pathology students and contribution to multidisciplinary student placement planning. Key Performance Measures General Provision of high quality, evidence based services for all clients consistent with accepted professional and organizational policies and procedures. Ensure that services are provided in a manner respectful of the languages, literacy levels, cultural beliefs and practices of our clients. Accurately record data as required by agency and funding bodies, and ensure timely follow up on data quality reports as requested by the Team Leader. Support PHC program staff in facilitating multidisciplinary student placements. Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety standards within the organisation to ensure a safe work place. Adhere to Organisational and Program policies and procedures. Support and supervise the practice of Allied Health Assistant staff (if required) Participate in project work in conjunction with other relevant health professionals. Participate in relevant networks and forums and maintenance of links with key external agencies. Undertake professional development activities to maintain and enhance skills. Participate in the Individual Performance Review (IPR) process including the development of annual work plan, ensuring activities are carried out as outlined. Attend service unit meetings, staff meetings and other organisational meetings as required. Contribute to a positive culture within the PHC program and foster a multidisciplinary approach to client care. Undertake an active learning approach to maintain and enhance professional skills. Utilise self-reflection, supervision and client feedback to identify and address individual training and development needs, particularly with regards to clinical skills development. Achieve targets set by funding agreements. Initial clinical assessment of client documented in Client Information Management System (CIMS) within 24 hours. Goal Directed Care plan developed, reviewed and updated as per Work Practice, and finalised prior to discharge of client. Appropriate and timely communication with GPs and referrers, as outlined in the relevant Work Practice. 80% client satisfaction with services reflected by the client satisfaction survey. Satisfactory rating regarding compliance with Merri Health policies and procedures. Achievement of KPOs and development plan as outlined in IPR. 70% attendance of and participation in team and Program Meetings. 100% attendance and participation in operational and clinical supervision. HACC assessments completed and reviewed annually for each Page - 2 - of 6
client Key Selection Criteria Essential A minimum of four years experience working in the area of Adult Speech Pathology practice. The ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a multi disciplinary team setting. Current National Police Check. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with CALD clients and those with low health literacy. Ability to develop, implement and evaluate group programs and individual treatment plans. Commitment to maintaining currency of knowledge and implementing evidence-based care. An understanding of and/or experience with the principles of client directed care, restorative care and reablement. Experience working with frail older people at risk of loss of independence and their unpaid carers. Experience managing demand and ensuring client access is maximized. Training, Qualifications and Registrations Desirable Experience working in a diverse community Relevant second language Experience in working in a community health environment Knowledge of client centered self management principles Bachelor s Degree in Speech Pathology, or Master of Speech Pathology (Graduate Entry) Eligibility for Speech Pathology Australia practicing membership Evidence of professional self-regulation Current National Police Check Current Driver s License Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a National Police Check Credential Credentialed Practicing Speech Pathologist Working Relationships Internal General Manager Primary Care and Carer Services Manager, Primary Health Care Primary Health Care Team Leaders & staff Reception Staff All Merri Health staff Award Coverage External Merri Health clients and their carers Other allied health and community services (public and private) Medical specialists and General Practitioners Tertiary Institutions Referring Agencies and Associations supporting clients Case Managers and other client support services Universities Speech Pathology professional networking groups Health Professionals Award Delegation of Authority Link to document http://merrinet/mi/policies%20and%20procedures/1.01.0 7.pdf Page - 3 - of 6
Position Title Speech Pathologist Position Number Probationary Period 3 months ISR Review Period Location Reporting To Number of Direct Reports Coburg Team Leader Independent Living Nil Effective Date 1 July 2016 Speech Pathologists funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) are responsible for providing assessment and management for clients 65 years and older (50 years and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). The CHSP program is underpinned by a wellness approach, which focusses on clients strengths, is goal oriented and aims to maximise independence and autonomy. The CHSP also embraces principles of reablement and restorative care which are time limited and goal oriented approaches that help clients adapt to a functional loss and/or address a particular deficit. This position is autonomous but interacts closely with other service providers and allied health staff, both internally and externally, as part of a multidisciplinary approach to care. It involves working in a number of settings providing centre-based, community and homebased assessment and management services for clients with congenital or acquired communication and/or swallowing problems Merri Health provides a range of services including dental, allied health and nursing, generalist and specialist counselling programs, aged and disability services, case management, family support, carer support programs, and social support programs for people with a mental illness as well as health promotion programs. A detailed description of services offered by Merri Health is provided at www.merrihealth.org.au. Clinical Speech Pathology assessment and management including education regarding health conditions and associated risks, prescription of evidence based low intensity therapy, review of programs as appropriate and referral to other allied health professionals and organisations as required. Development of Alternative and Augmentative Communication in and provision of relevant training for clients and carers in a range of settings. Ensure health education is a significant component of each client contact. Undertake appropriate group work, including planning, implementation and evaluation. Develop and maintain links with external agencies and referral sources, including GPs, hospitals, private practices and other community service providers. Contribute to the planning and development of the Speech Pathology service and of the organisation as a whole. Assist with the implementation of Communication Accessibility standards across Merri Health sites. Provide support and annual training to staff at reception and intake points on the adoption of practices consistent with Communication Accessibility standards. Supervision and teaching of Speech Pathology students and contribution to multidisciplinary student placement planning. Page - 4 - of 6
General Provision of high quality, evidence based services for all clients consistent with accepted professional and organizational policies and procedures. Ensure that services are provided in a manner respectful of the languages, literacy levels, cultural beliefs and practices of our clients. Accurately record data as required by agency and funding bodies, and ensure timely follow up on data quality reports as requested by the Team Leader. Support PHC program staff in facilitating multidisciplinary student placements. Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety standards within the organisation to ensure a safe work place. Adhere to the Organisational and Program policies and procedures. Support and supervise the practice of Allied Health Assistant staff (if required) Participate in project work in conjunction with other relevant health professionals. Participate in relevant networks and forums and maintenance of links with key external agencies. Undertake professional development activities to maintain and enhance skills. Participate in the Individual Performance Review (IPR) process including the development of annual work plan, ensuring activities are carried out as outlined. Attend service unit meetings, staff meetings and other organisational meetings as required. Contribute to a positive culture within the PHC program and foster a multidisciplinary approach to client care. Undertake an active learning approach to maintain and enhance professional skills. Utilise self-reflection, supervision and client feedback to identify and address individual training and development needs, particularly with regards to clinical skills development. Achieve targets set by funding agreements. Initial clinical assessment of client documented in Client Information Management System (CIMS) within 24 hours. Goal Directed Care plan developed, reviewed and updated as per Work Practice, and finalised prior to discharge of client. Appropriate and timely communication with GPs and referrers, as outlined in the relevant Work Practice. 80% client satisfaction with services reflected by the client satisfaction survey. Satisfactory rating regarding compliance with Merri Health policies and procedures. Achievement of KPOs and development plan as outlined in IPR. 70% attendance of and participation in team and Program Meetings. 100% attendance and participation in operational and clinical supervision. My Aged Care portal administration completed for each client to ensure adherence to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Essential A minimum of four years experience working in the area of Adult Speech Pathology practice. The ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a multi-disciplinary team setting. Current National Police Check. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with CALD clients and those with low health literacy. Ability to develop, implement and evaluate group programs and individual treatment plans. Commitment to maintaining currency of knowledge and implementing evidence-based care. An understanding of and/or experience with the principles of client directed care, restorative care and reablement. Experience working with frail older people at risk of loss of independence and their unpaid carers. Experience managing demand and ensuring client access is maximized. Desirable Experience working in a diverse community Page - 5 - of 6
Relevant second language Experience in working in a community health environment Knowledge of client centered self management principles Bachelor s Degree in Speech Pathology, or Master of Speech Pathology (Graduate Entry) Eligibility for Speech Pathology Australia practicing membership Evidence of professional self-regulation Current National Police Check Current Driver s License Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a National Police Check Credentialed Practicing Speech Pathologist Internal External Link to document General Manager Primary Care and Carer Services Manager, Primary Health Care Primary Health Care Team Leaders & staff Reception Staff All Merri Health staff Merri Health clients and their carers Other allied health and community services (public and private) Medical specialists and General Practitioners Tertiary Institutions Referring Agencies and Associations supporting clients Case Managers and other client support services Universities Speech Pathology professional networking groups Health Professionals Award http://merrinet/mi/policies%20and%20procedures/1.01.07.pdf Page - 6 - of 6