Speech/Language Pathologist/ M.A. or M.S., CCC-SLP

We are a 120-bed not-for-profit nursing facility offering advanced healthcare while providing skilled nursing and rehabilitative services for both long and short term residents. Located on eight beautiful landscaped acres, we also provide sub-acute services, wound care and respite services. The Mission of Island Nursing and Rehab Center is to provide the highest quality of care to all residents/patients in a manner that ensures respect, dignity, compassion, sensitivity and concern. The Vision of Island Nursing and Rehab Center is to achieve the highest level of resident/patient care services by focusing on resident/patient satisfaction and to serve as a center of excellence for our specialty programs, as well as a high-quality provider of care to the elderly and physically frail population in our community. We are currently seeking a per diem Physical Therapist who will embody the passion and commitment required to deliver the ultimate care for our residents. Must be available to work Saturdays and Sundays, as well as, intermittent weekday coverage. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Resident Services: 1. Conduct screenings and assessments of new admissions and current residents for Speech Therapy services. 2. Evaluate the nature and extent of impairment and determine speech, language and swallowing irregularities. 3. Based on evaluation findings and with Physician referral, develop an individualized plan of care and speech therapy interventions and periodically update treatment plans. 4. Select augmentative or alternative communication methods, including devices, picture boards, etc. and teach their use to individuals with little or no speech capability as well as train staff in their use. 5. Teach those with cognitive communication impairments strategies to improve areas such as attention, orientation, memory and problem solving. 6. Evaluate swallow function and manage diet texture modifications according to patient/resident's needs. 7. Help residents recover reliable communication skills, provide ways to practice new skills and return as closely to prior level of functioning as possible. 8. Recommend residents for discharge when maximal functional gain had been achieved. C. Documentation: 1. Maintain records and complete all required documentation of Speech Therapy services on a timely basis as per departmental Policies and Procedures. 2. Review current and ongoing treatment plans, and assess individual performance to modify, change or write new patient/resident orders. 3. Report monthly statistics and relevant documentation to Director of Rehab services/Administration. D. Rehabilitation Services Team Functions: 1. Assist with emergency measures as per facility policies and procedures. 2. Provide in-services to other departments and staff as needed to share professional expertise and improve resident care. 3. Establish objectives, policies, procedures and provide required input to Director of Rehab services. 4. Attends appropriate in-services and reports information to staff when applicable. 5. Demonstrates knowledge, respect and sensitivity of resident's rights as identified within the Resident Bill of Rights and facility policy and mission statement. Assures confidentiality of all resident information. 6. Attends in-service education as required by position and title. Performs related duties as required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): a) to be able to walk, move, traverse, about b) to be able to ascend/descend, traverse stairs c) to be able to maintain a stationary positon ( sit/stand) for extended periods d) to be able to move, transport, remove approximately 5-10 lbs. (documents) e) must possess ability visually to detect, determine, recognize, inspect and auditory acuity to express, discern, convey, converse with or without assistive/corrective devices f) must exhibit the ability to communicate (transmit and receive), convey, exchange both verbal and written information in an effective time efficient manner g) must exhibit the physical ability to provide the full scope of required job duties. This includes but is not limited to lifting, bending, twisting, prolonged sitting and repetitive movements h) must demonstrate the ability to comprehend verbal , written and auditory instructions and follow through with logical plan and course of action i) must demonstrate the ability to perform assigned tasks independently without requiring constant re-direction j) ability to perform heavy lifting ( 50lbs.+), push wheelchairs and stretchers k) ability to position self (to bend, twist, turn, push, pull) carts, beds, wheelchairs, geri-chairs, etc.) l) ability to assist in the mobility of residents/patients and equipment m) ability to work in a direct resident/patient care setting