Speech Therapist (SNF)

Job Title Code: SPCHT

FLSA: Nonexempt

Position Purpose

The Speech Therapist will assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Budget Responsibility: None

Essential Job Functions – Principal Accountabilities

• Monitors patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Develops or implements treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• Writes reports and maintains proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients
• Evaluates hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Instructs clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
• Administers hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• Teaches clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
• Develops speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Uses computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
• Provides communication instruction to dialect speakers with limited English proficiency.
  

Other Job Functions

• Keeps current with professional literature and attends seminars on a regular basis to maintain and update professional skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
• Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Knowledge of therapy methods and procedures
• Oral and written communication skills
• Critical thinking and complex problem solving skills
• Customer service skills
• Must display professionalism, initiative, positive attitude, and concern for others
• Must be stress tolerant, self-motivated, cooperative, team-oriented, and dependable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  

Physical Demands/Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work in an extended care facility with controlled temperature and lighting.
• Move about within the facility to access patients. Move about within and outside the facility to attend meetings, training events, and other business activities.
• Operate computer, read, remain in a stationary position, converse with others.
• Legibly complete forms; perform data entry of information. Remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Converse with others, write legibly, read and comprehend written/verbal information. Communicate instructions or demonstrate tasks.
• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds frequently; up to 35 pounds occasionally.
• Stand and walk frequently; Sit for extended periods; simple grasp; fine hand manipulation; near vision; hear conversation; speak
  

Minimum Requirements

Education: Master's degree in speech pathology, or equivalent, is required.  

Experience: Experience performing the essential functions of the position is desirable.

Certification/License: Florida Speech Pathologist license in good standing is required. Candidates are required to attain and maintain CPR certification within 90 days after hire. State background check standards must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.