Speech Language Pathologist II

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Responsible for directing, overseeing, and coordinating all activities regarding home and/or community-based Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) services to ExpertCare recipients. Perform SLP evaluations and provide Speech and Language therapy to recipients as scheduled. 

The Speech and Language Pathologist II collaborates with all parties involved to ensure that SLP services are provided that meets the medical necessity of the recipient, as prescribed by a physician, and authorized by the funding agency. The Speech and Language Pathologist II carries a caseload of 30 individual recipients, completing an average of 25 therapy appointments each week, performing ongoing therapy and family training. SLP II assists other SLPs with the process for obtaining and ordering assistive devices for eligible recipients.

Essential Functions

Therapy Services

• Performs therapy assessments of client/recipient functioning of speech, language and/or swallowing levels, plans short-and long-term goals toward improving/restoring independence of speech, language and/or swallowing functioning; develops and implements treatment programs, approved by the attending physician.
• Provides evaluation of speech and language abilities through diagnostic testing. 
• Provides assistance and guidance to SLPs with obtaining and ordering assistive devices for recipients with Medicaid or private 3rd party insurances. This includes any required written orders and correspondence with agencies.
• Provides support, guidance and mentoring of SLP Clinical Fellowship. Perform indirect and direct clinical observations. Helps improve SLP-CF clinical effectiveness. Reviews and cosigns weekly therapy documentation.

Recipient Family Management

• Provides guidance and instruction to clients/family members and ExpertCare staff of developed therapeutic, creative, and self-care procedures/activities ; explains adaptive, progressive approaches and compensatory strategies as appropriate.
• Recommends, organizes, consults, and writes letters of medical necessity for client equipment as deemed clinically appropriate. 
• Conducts re-evaluations, as indicated, to assess the need for any revisions in the treatment plan.
• Instructs and familiarizes, as necessary, the client and pertinent family members with all other aspects of the total treatment program. Completes weekly Family Training with family members/natural supports to ensure maximum benefit and continuation of treatment to enhance daily living skills. 

Quality and Administrative Management

• Maintains adequate clinical documentation and progress notes. Submits time and all required documentation in a timely manner according to ExpertCare policy. 
• Periodically reports to the physician on the client’s treatment, response, and progress, and assists the physician in determining any necessary changes in the treatment program. 
• Participates in annual Person-Centered Planning meetings and periodic status review meetings to provide insight and update on treatment planning and implementation, as necessary. 
• Provides consultation to and instructs other members of the clients’ care team in the use of necessary techniques, modalities, and basic activity programs, when needed, and as requested.
• Maintains and updates professional competency through in-service attendance and similar professional resources.
• Demonstrates understanding and coordination of communication devices for recipients. Shares knowledge and provides guidance to other SLPs in the field.
• Reviews speech and language evaluations, progress notes and treatment plans by Speech and Language Pathologists, ensuring notes meet audit and contractual requirements.

Other Duties

• Represent ExpertCare in community and/or health care groups; locally and regionally. 
• Promotes ExpertCare programs and services in the community. Seeks opportunities to provide services for more individuals. 

Requirements:

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Trips to client/prospect locations require outdoor travel and potential exposure to unpleasant weather. 
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of providing therapy services, such as assisting with exercises. 
• Must be able to transfer patients as needed according to proper techniques of body mechanics to promote patient and staff safety.

Qualifications

• Must hold a license/registration issued by the State of Michigan in Speech and Language Pathology. 
• Graduate of program approved by ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association)
• Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Knowledge and Skills

• Must understand general business and office terminology.
• Must have basic understanding of the MS Office Suite Products/Programs. 
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Must be able to compose routine correspondence and reports.
• Must maintain valid auto insurance. 
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.