Speech-Language Pathologist (Staff/Per Diem)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Purpose: The primary purpose of this position is to provide Speech-Language Pathology services for disorders of speech, voice, swallowing and language; plans appropriate Speech-language Pathology services; provides treatment in accordance with accepted professional standards; and participates in the general functioning of the rehabilitation therapy department.

Educational Requirements : Graduate of an accredited school of Speech-language Pathology with a Master’s Degree or higher. Valid ASHA certification in Speech-Language Pathology or participating in Clinical Fellow Year Program

Experience Required : Minimum of 1-year experience in a long-term care facility working as a Speech- Language Pathology (SLP).

Professional Licensure and Certification Required : Must possess a current unencumbered NYS license as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Fellow with appropriate supervision from a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Valid ASHA certification in Speech-Language Pathology or participating in Clinical Fellow Year Program.

Interpersonal Relationships : Communicates effectively with residents, families, visitors, co-workers, physicians, and other employees.

Essential Job Functions

1. Demonstrates working knowledge of skilled restorative therapy and maintenance programs
2. Screens residents for rehabilitation therapy needs
3. Completes Speech-Language Pathology evaluations upon physician order
4. Establishes Speech-Language Pathology plan of care for treatments per physician order
5. Provides Speech-Language Pathology plan of treatments and modalities
6. Modifies treatment program level, intensity and techniques based on the resident’s response to specific treatment plan

1. Documents resident progress toward Speech-Language Pathology goals:
   • Discharges residents from Speech-Language Pathology services when appropriate
   • Completes Daily Activity Schedule, progress notes and re-certifications per facility policy.
   • Demonstrates working knowledge of Medicare Part A PPS case management
   • Complies with Federal and State regulations related to rehabilitation therapy
   • Completes all documentation to comply with professional standard and regulatory requirements
   • Strives to meet productivity / efficiency goals and self-initiates corrective action plan for non-attainment
   • Utilizes the clinical software applications per policies and procedures
   • Completes care plans and MDS as directed, per facility policy
   • Assists in ordering necessary equipment for the facility and residents
   • Participates in the discharge planning process with the interdisciplinary team
   • Submits required reports and documentation in accordance with established acceptable time frames
   • Participates in internal audits as directed
   • Possess a strong knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and other payment sources and their responsibility in the SNF setting
   • Utilizes proper body mechanics, techniques and safety while completing job duties and responsibilities
   • Maintains current professional knowledge of practice of Speech-Language Pathology and practices within acceptable professional standards
   • Complies with all facility policies and procedures
   • Maintains confidentiality of facility and resident information
   • Respects all residents all resident rights
   • Reports all instances of potential resident abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property immediately
   • Follows sanitation and infection control policies and procedures
   • Keeps Facility Rehabilitation manager informed and updated appropriately
   • Recommends corrective action plan for all identified problems
   • Maintains a positive working relationship between the rehabilitation department and other departments
   • Maintains high standards of professional conduct

Personnel Functions

1. Ensures that assessments and treatments are coordinated to meet resident and facility needs.
2. Proactively develops positive employee relations, incentives and recognition Promotes teamwork, mutual respect and effective communication.
3. Performs rounds to observe residents and other care givers in multiple settings.

Staff Development Functions

1. Assists in identifying and correcting problem areas, and/or improvement of services.

1. Provides resident, staff and family education and in-servicing
2. Participates in facility meetings and committees as assigned
3. Supervises unlicensed assistive personnel

Safety and Infection Control

1. Observes established universal precautions and infection control policies and procedures within the facility
2. Ensures that all work and resident care areas are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner
3. Participates in the Infection Prevention and Control program

Resident Rights

1. Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information and ensures the same is followed throughout the facility
2. Thorough knowledge of facility and state mandatory reporting practices regarding any suspected cases of abuse, mistreatment, or neglect.
3. Ensures that all residents are treated fairly with kindness, dignity, and respect.
4. Monitors all care to ensure that all residents are treated fairly and with kindness, dignity and respect.

1. Brings any complaints or grievances made by the resident or responsible party to the appropriate supervisor and assists in any investigation if required.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All pay rates and bonuses are paid and/ or awarded to employees based on the facilities policy and/ or the CBA, depending on the position.