Speech Therapist - Per Diem

JOB SUMMARY:

The Speech Language Pathologist will evaluate all patients/residents admitted to the

facility and will recommend, in writing, to the attending physician a rehabilitation program

if indicated. Upon receipt of the physician's orders, the Speech Language Pathologist

will be responsible for the implementation of services and programs concerning speech

language, communication and swallow disorders. The Speech Language Pathologist

assesses, evaluates, and performs documentation on patients/residents on a required

basis. Attends and actively participates in all intradepartmental staff meetings. The

Speech Language Pathologist will seek to aid patients/residents in restoring and

preventing loss of function following disease, injury and/or disability. Attends and

conducts in-service and orientation programs as well as on-the-job training programs.

The Speech Language Pathologist will work in concert with the interdisciplinary team

through communication and collaboration in order to ensure a safe discharge at

patients/resident's highest level of function. The Speech Language Pathologist will

adhere to patient/resident Bill of Rights, ensure compliance with ethics of profession,

and all state and federal regulations as applicable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates knowledge of age specific developmental factors specific to adult

and geriatric residents (ie. physical, cognitive, and socialization factors) in

planning and delivering care.

• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to care for and treat

residents with the following needs: dysphagia, neuro disease, infectious disease

and cognitive deficits, if applicable.

• Recommends in writing to the attending physician a rehabilitation program, if

indicated.

• Upon receipt of physician's orders, implement services and programs related to

speech/swallow therapy.

• Conducts patient/resident evaluations, creates short and long term Speech

Language Pathology goals, assesses rehabilitation potential, and develops and

implements a treatment plan.

• Supervises Clinical Fellows in accordance with ASHA and New York State

Regulations, when applicable.

• Engages in professional communication.
• Completes all necessary documentation in patient/resident charts and care plans.
• Provides appropriate patient/resident and family education.
• Ensures that all rehabilitation aides are adequately trained to meet the needs of

the patients/residents served as delegated or assigned by the Director of

Rehabilitation.

• Conducts in-service education and on the job training for use of assistive

devices/techniques which are determined to be necessary for the

patient/resident's rehabilitation as delegated or assigned by the Director of

Rehabilitation and/or Lead Speech-Language Pathologist.

• Supervises and/or executes skilled treatment programs as prescribed by the

physician's orders.

• Participates in inter and intra-departmental training programs.
• Cares for and is economical with all equipment, supplies and materials used.
• Maintains accurate clinical records, patient/resident charts, and care plans while

conferring with the attending physician as to the patient/resident status, care and

progress.

• Determines patient/resident progress, makes recommendations to the nursing

department and modifies plan of care accordingly.

• Provides proof of qualifications, degrees and state licensure to the Director of

Rehabilitation.

• Maintains license/registration/certification requirements including required number

of CEU's in accordance with ASHA and New York State.

• Provides a copy of license/registration to the facility upon hire and with

subsequent renewal.

• Maintains HIPPA privacy, security, confidentiality standards and residents rights.
• Follows all established policies and procedures.
• Follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques.
• Maintains Corporate Compliance standards.
• Contributes to facility Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Follows safety procedures by keeping areas free of hazardous conditions.
• Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a

positive, helpful and enthusiastic attitude.

• Comes to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates dependability and

punctuality.

• Comes to work in neat, clean attire and consistently presents an appropriate

professional appearance.

• Performs any other necessary duties as assigned by Supervisor.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Displays optimism fostering a spirit of teamwork, positive attitude and conflict

resolution among co-workers. Interacts positively with residents, family members

and visitors in all circumstances.

• Exhibits excellent communication skills and professionalism.
• Demonstrates ability to coordinate activities in conjunction with other departments

to ensure patients/residents feel safe and empowered. Interacts positively with

family members, updating them on how patient/resident is progressing in

Therapy.

• Exhibits and strives for a commitment to excellence by performing duties with

measured accuracy and timeliness.

• Displays ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently in fast paced environment.
• Illustrates excellent customer services and support to all members of the

interdisciplinary team and provides assistance as needed to visitors, staff,

volunteers and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Masters of Speech Language Pathology from a school approved by the

American Speech-Language Hearing Association

Preferred: Masters of Speech Language Pathology plus 1 year of experience in a long-

term care facility

Experience: Minimum: Newly licensed Speech Language Pathologist

Preferred: 2-3 years of experience working in a skilled nursing facility

Licensure: Valid New York State Speech Language Pathology Licensure, ASHA CC

SLP or CF SLP