Speech Therapist

The Speech Therapist will play a vital role in improving the communication and swallowing abilities of our residents.  The Speech Therapist will assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders, collaborating with other team members to enhance the overall quality of life for our residents. 

Schedule: PRN Weekdays, 8 Hour Day Shifts

Primary Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of residents’ speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing abilities using standardized assessments, clinical observations, and interviews with residents, their families and caregivers. 
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, resident goals, and team recommendations. 
• Provide evidence-based speech therapy interventions to improve residents’ communication skills, including receptive and expressive language, articulation, voice, and fluency. 
• Implement cognitive therapy techniques to address memory, attention, problem solving, and executive function deficits in residents with cognitive impairments. 
• Administer dysphagia evaluations and recommend appropriate diet modifications, compensatory strategies, and swallowing exercise to improve residents’ safety and efficiency of swallowing.  
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and dietary staff to coordinate comprehensive care plans to ensure continuity of care. 
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers about communication and swallowing disorders, therapy goals, and strategies for maximizing functional outcomes. 
• Monitor residents progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and document therapy sessions, progress notes, and outcomes in accordance with regulator requirements. 
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and care planning meetings to share insights, coordinate services, and facilitate optimal resident care. 
• Stay abreast of current research, best practices, and evidence-based interventions in the field of speech-language pathology, and integrate new knowledge into clinical practice. 
• Perform all other duties assigned. 

Job Qualifications: 

• State licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the state where work is performed. 
• Current CPR Certification.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in speech-language pathology, preferably in a healthcare or long-term care setting.  
• Knowledge of an experience with a variety of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders commonly seen in geriatric populations. 
• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills. 
• Ability to build rapport with residents through a compassionate and caring demeanor.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, and team members. 
• Commitment to providing high-quality, resident-centered care with empathy and compassion. 

Physical Requirements:

• Work performed in a medical setting due to the need to work directly with residents, their families, and other team members. 
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, stretch, and twist.
• Auditory ability to communicate effectively with residents, families and team members  
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of a fast-paced and dynamic healthcare environment. 
• Tolerance for exposure to bodily fluids, medical equipment, and infectious diseases. 
• Manual dexterity to operate therapy equipment and perform therapy techniques. 
• Visual acuity and auditory ability to assess and communicate with residents effectively. 
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions, including exposure to noise, temperature variations, and odors. 
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• This job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. 
• Stamina to work full shifts and perform repetitive tasks throughout the day, including walking or standing for extended periods to assist in therapy duties.