Speech Language Pathologist

The purpose of this position is to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to evaluate, treat, document and/or facilitate care for residents with impaired ability to swallow or communicate due to disease process; participate in the interdisciplinary team meetings as required; assist the Director of Nursing Service to develop communication and/or swallowing decline prevention policies and procedures.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential physical and intellectual duty as identified. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Communication/Language Skills – Must have excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common medical information. Ability to effectively communicate with residents, their families and other healthcare professionals. Ability to present information to supervisor. Reasoning Ability – Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions. Computer Skills – Must be familiar with software such as Word and Excel.

1. Perform diagnostic tests, evaluate and document evaluations of referred residents in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
2. . Provide appropriate treatment to help residents maintain or attain the highest level of communication and/or swallowing function possible within the confines of his/her physical abilities.
3. Recommend and/or provide appropriate treatment, preventative measures and assistive devices to prevent decline in resident’s function.
4. Provide appropriate resident or caregiver education to help residents maintain or attain the highest level of communication and/or swallowing function possible within the confines of his/her physical abilities.
5. Maintain timely and accurate resident reports as required by federal, state and local regulatory agencies and third-party payers.
6. Observe infection control procedures.
7. Be responsible for the safety of residents under his/her supervision.
8. Assume duties related to completion of Minimum Data Set assessments as assigned.
9. Complete documentation related to evaluations, treatment plans, MDS assessments, resident care plans and progress notes in a timely manner.
10. Participate in resident care conferences, interdisciplinary care conferences and rehabilitation conferences as scheduled
11. Participate in implementation of programs to improve resident care related to Quality Indicators.
12. Assume Quality Assurance duties as assigned.
13. Consistently work cooperatively with residents, residents’ representatives, facility staff, physicians, consultants and ancillary service providers.
14. Observe all facility policies and procedures.
15. Observe all facility safety policies and procedures.
16. Observe guidelines in the employees’ handbook.
17. Follow facility Residents’ Rights policies.
18. Adhere to Corporate Compliance Program Code of Conduct and policies and procedures
19. Attend Corporate Compliance Program inservicing as required.
20. Adhere to productivity requirements, complete productivity reports and submit in a timely manner.
21. Maintain a positive work atmosphere by demonstrating and communicating in a professional manner so as to foster positive relations with customers, clients, co-workers and managers
22. Perform all other duties assigned by the department supervisor, lead therapist or regional

Job Skills -

1. Current licensure in Speech-Language Pathology in the State of practice.

2. Must be able to work during established hours of operations.

3. Must demonstrate knowledge of current best practice therapy procedures.

4. Must be able to move, lift, walk, stand, twist and bend as required by a normal caseload without medical limitations.

5. Must be able to communicate clearly (verbally and in writing) in the English language including communication with sensory and cognitively impaired residents, effective communication within the department and facility and with referral sources and outside agencies.

6. Must be able to deal appropriately, effectively and calmly with difficult residents/families and co-workers.