Speech Language Pathologist

POSITION SUMMARY: The Speech Language Pathologist will primarily provide outpatient rehabilitation services in an in-home setting for the older adult population. The in-home setting could be a patient's private residence or in a patient's room in an assisted living facility, or in an independent living facility. Allows the Speech Language Pathologist to evaluate and treat in the most functional environment which is the patient's home. The Speech Language Pathologist organizes and provides speech-language services for the agency to facilitate rehabilitation. They direct patient participation in selected tasks to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance. Also, the Speech Language Pathologist facilitates the learning of those skills and functions essential for communication and swallowing, to diminish or remediate disorders or deficits. They direct activities to promote and maintain health, within the scope of practice and consistent with the Code of Ethics of the profession. This position provides a flexible schedule and work environment in various settings.  

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

As necessary or applicable, supervision of CFYs temporary licensees, students and support personnel in accordance with state licensure requirements and professional standards. 

Responsible for adherence to department and patient treatment schedule, timely clinical and billing documentation  requirements as well as work related meetings.

Attends and contributes to patient care, staffing conferences and other related meetings.

Makes referrals to other disciplines, agencies in order to address the comprehensive needs of the patient.

Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team and the physician to select the most appropriate therapeutic regimen consistent with the needs and capabilities of each patient. 

Adapts program and/or plan of care according to the needs of the individual patient. 

Promotes a safe environment and enforces the elimination of fire and safety hazards. 

Orders supplies and equipment as necessary. 

Cleans, maintains, idenfies, and reports the need for repair of equipment, as necessary. 

Puts Patient Service first, ensuring that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individual's needs and rights. 

Screens, examines and evaluates patients, including history, systems review, and application of appropriate tests and measures, synthesis information and interprets examination findings in order to establish a diagnosis, identify impairments, determine the predicted level of improvement and the time required to achieve it, identify precautions/contraindications and design and plan of care.Develops appropriate treatment goals and methods in collaboration with the patient and caregivers, implements the speech language pathology treatment plan, and completes all related documentation and record keeping regarding these services. Services include but are not limited to application of therapeutic techniques in areas such as:

• cognitive - communication
• speech intelligibility
• oral motor skills
• swallowing disorders/dysphagia
• perceptual abilities
• orientation
• memory
• pragmatics
• psychosocial expression
• functional communication
• case management skills in the home and community

Coordinates the acquisition of adaptive communication devices and instructs patients in their use.

Facilitates identification of hearing deficits and appropriately refers for assessment, diagnosis rehabilitation and/or personal amplification.  

Selects appropriate activities suited to the individual's physical and mental capacity, intelligence level and interest. 

Instructs patients in the skills and techniques required for participation in therapeutic activities, and evaluates patient progress, attitudes and behavior as related to rehabilitative potential.

Performs routine reexamination as needed/required to modify/progress plan of treatment.

Coordinates care in the home and community with other members of the interdisciplinary team in collaboration on with the referring physician.

Performs other related dues as required.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must have a valid Speech Language Pathologist license in the state(s) of practice, or proof of license eligibility.

2. Must possess or be eligible for a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or be eligible to participate as an ASHA ClinicalFellow.

3. Must have a valid driver's license or reliable, independent transportaion to and from the patients' residence.

JOB SKILLS:
1. Good organizational and time management skills.

2. Good verbal and written communication skills.