Speech Language Pathologist

Overview The Speech Language Pathologist is a licensed professional who provides direct and indirect patient care services to patients in their home environment or an alternative setting in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures. This role includes evaluating patients, developing speech therapy treatment programs in collaboration with the physician, delivering speech therapy treatments, administering complex active and passive therapeutic exercises, and instructing, motivating, and assisting patients and caregivers in improving activities of daily living. Responsibilities Assesses and analyzes patient care needs and establishes mutual goals with the patient and/or caregiver for a comprehensive plan of care, including discharge planning. Assesses the patient’s environment with particular attention to safety to ensure suitability for safe and effective care. Assesses the patient support system and utilizes available community resources to ensure optimum level of care. Identifies therapy diagnosis/patient care problems and interventions; makes additions or changes to comprehensively address patient problems and document progress. Interprets and implements Physician’s orders related to Speech Therapy upon receipt. Ensures these orders are carried out professionally, satisfying ethics, patient rights, and state and federal codes and regulations. Initiates and coordinates the plan of care, including other disciplines as needed, ensuring integration of care. Documents additions and/or changes to the patient plan of care. Re-evaluates the patient’s progress and therapy program, making changes as necessary under the physician’s direction. Provides patient and caregiver education concerning diagnosis, medications, infection control, and safety measures per the plan of care. Conducts comprehensive medication reviews and ensures patients and caregivers receive information regarding medication regimens. Provides education to patients and families regarding medication administration, actions, side effects, etc. Provides written materials for patients and families. Communicates with other disciplines to ensure collaboration, coordination of care, and enhanced patient outcomes. Handles all aspects of case management to improve patient outcomes. Completes and submits all required documentation within established agency guidelines. Ensures compliance with state/local/payer requirements and reflects care in documentation meeting company, regulatory, and payer standards. Requisition and manages equipment and supplies to increase client function and independence as appropriate. Demonstrates teaching skills and competence in performing therapeutic interventions of all complexity levels in patient care. Coordinates all aspects of patient care with internal and external providers. Instructs patients and caregivers on safety measures appropriate to care. Maintains universal precautions and infection control standards, disinfects and sanitizes equipment, and disposes medical waste properly. Recognizes changes in patient status and reports appropriately. Provides clear, concise, and complete reporting of patient status per agency and regulatory standards. Completes documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards. Demonstrates proficiency in OASIS documentation regarding timeframes and response accuracy. Reports all incidents per agency and regulatory standards. Follows policies and procedures consistent with agency, state, and regulatory standards. Uses safe body mechanics to prevent personal injury to self or patient. Functions within the Scope of Practice. Attends staff meetings, patient care conferences, in‑services, and other meetings as requested. Maintains confidentiality of patient information and honors patient rights. Participates in the agency’s QAPI program, communicating problem areas and recommendations, collecting data, attending QAPI meetings, and participating in performance improvement projects as requested. Performs other duties as assigned within scope of practice. Qualifications Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited school. Valid state license to practice. Current CPR certification. Prior home care experience preferred. Ability to administer manual therapeutic exercises and instruct clients in non‑manual exercises and functional activities. Ability to evaluate cognitive, swallowing, expressive, receptive, and fluency skills and develop a plan of care based on findings. Professional appearance and demeanor. General knowledge of computers and ability to learn industry‑specific software applications. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Excellent organizational and time‑management skills with keen attention to detail. Ability to work effectively in a team environment. Ability to develop critical thinking, research, solve complex problems, and handle a variety of issues. Ability to learn and complete various educational goals during orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr