Speech Language Pathologist PRN

Overview

The Staff Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for assessing and treating residents, collaborating with families, physicians, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team, and maintaining thorough documentation within medical records. Additionally, the role includes providing training sessions and in-service education for facility staff on an ongoing basis.

Key Duties

• Conduct evaluations of residents to identify speech therapy needs, functional deficits, and rehabilitation potential in line with physician directives and organizational policies.
• Create, implement, and regularly update personalized treatment plans aimed at enhancing mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and overall functional independence.
• Support the nursing department by training Restorative Aides.
• Oversee Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellows (CFY) or students during resident care and related activities in accordance with state practice regulations.
• Maintain open communication with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary teams, residents, and their families to discuss progress, set goals, and plan discharges.
• Participate in Resident Care conferences, Utilization Review sessions, and Rehabilitation meetings as necessary.
• Deliver in-service training programs for facility staff when required.
• Ensure timely, precise, and compliant documentation adhering to facility standards, government regulations, and third-party payer policies.
• Maintain safety standards within the treatment environment by adhering to infection control, safety protocols, and equipment upkeep.
• Provide educational guidance to residents, families, and caregivers on treatment objectives, home exercise routines, maintenance strategies, safety approaches, and aspiration prevention techniques.
• Recommend and facilitate procurement of appropriate durable medical equipment to support residents' independence in swallowing and cognitive functions.
• Contribute to quality assurance initiatives, performance improvement projects, and development of the facility's rehabilitation programs.
• Demonstrate positive, effective, and appropriate interactions with residents, families, staff members, and professional peers.

Supervision

Responsible for supervising Clinical Fellows and students involved in speech pathology care as applicable.

Education & Experience

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, with preference for candidates holding a Master’s or Doctorate in the field. Computer proficiency, particularly with systems such as Net Health and Point Click Care, is required.

Skills & Abilities

Must be capable of reading and understanding technical procedures, policy manuals, and effectively communicating information and responding to queries from colleagues and families. Mathematical skills including application of fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions are necessary. Strong reasoning skills to solve practical problems and interpret various instructions in different formats are expected.

Licensing & Certifications

Must hold a valid Speech Therapist license in the state, maintaining it in good standing with ongoing continuing education as mandated. Additional certification requirements may apply as per facility needs. CPR certification might be required depending on licensure standards.

Physical Requirements

This role demands physical stamina, including frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and other movements such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling to assist resident care and operate related equipment. The work often involves lifting or maneuvering residents or equipment exerting force that may exceed 20 to 100 pounds. Effective verbal communication, auditory and visual responsiveness are essential for interacting with residents and the care team. Safe resident handling techniques are integral to this position.

Work Environment

The typical work setting involves low to moderate noise levels and accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in compliance with federal and state laws.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to equal opportunity and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification.