Speech Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST OVERVIEW:

 

 

The primary purpose of your job position is to plan, organize, develop, and provide Speech/Language Therapy Services in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and as may be directed by the administrator, to assure that the highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all times.

 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Speech Language Therapist in this state.
• Must not have any history of involvement in fraud or be listed on the OIG exclusion listing.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language and be able to utilize a computer system.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of speech therapy procedures. Must be able to use computer for documentation.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., of the speech therapy service.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of therapy areas.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level in which they are currently functioning.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing therapy services. Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office areas, therapy rooms, resident rooms, etc.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with physicians, residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors/staff.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary, as well as in other positions as needed. Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Must be constantly alert for resident safety.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs as may be required by current regulations.
• Is subject to lifting, carrying and supporting residents.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, other departments, etc., to adequately plan for the resident’s speech therapy needs.

 

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA:

• Assists in standardizing the methods in which therapy will be accomplished using outcome measurement tools.
• Plans, develops, organizes, evaluates, and provides therapy services, as well as its program and activities, in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern nursing care facilities.
• Develops and maintains speech therapy standards.
• Participates in discharge planning, development and implementation of resident care plans, resident assessments, etc., as necessary.
• Conducts therapy screens, at least quarterly, to determine need for services.
• Maintains treatment records, resident files, and progress notes as required.
• Ensure business office receives charges for therapy services rendered to
• residents. Charges are required to be entered daily, with documentation.
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Administrator and/or Director of Rehab Services.
• Agrees to not disclose resident’s protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.
• Participates in work assignments and schedule hours, as requested by Director of Rehab Services.

 

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess Master Degree in Speech Language Pathology, or other Masters Degree from an accredited college or university, which meets license requirements of a Speech Language Therapist.
• Must possess Certificate of Clinical Competence by ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) or be grandfathered by ASHA. Candidates for Clinical Fellowship Programs is acceptable, if Supervisor available to satisfy curriculum criteria.
• Two (2) years of experience is preferred, in a therapist capacity in a hospital, nursing care facility, or other related medical facility. Must have training in rehabilitative and restorative therapy practices.

 

 

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES):

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental, emotional, and physical stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, support agencies, and outside agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical and physical examination. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Must be willing to perform tasks that may involve exposure to the resident’s blood/body fluids.

Please review the following link regarding required background checks.