Speech Therapist, Senior Living Facilities

A Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) administers speech therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Director of Clinical Services/Nursing Supervisor. Speech therapy services are furnished only by or under the supervision of a qualified speech pathologist or audiologist.

Responsibilities

• Improves or maximizes the communication of the patient.
• Returns the individual to optimum and productive living within the patient’s capabilities.
• Periodically participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
• Provides full range Speech Language Pathology Services as ordered by physician.
• Directs and supervises personnel, as assigned.
• Takes initial history and makes initial evaluation.
• Performs all skilled procedures.
• Consults with physicians regarding change of treatment.
• Writes reports to physicians regarding patient’s progress.
• Instructs patients and family members in home programs.
• Periodically presents an inservice to the Agency’s staff members.

An initial evaluation, including plan of treatment and goals, must be completed and submitted to the physician for approval. A recertification by physician every 60 days is necessary if further treatment is to be continued. A progress note is written each visit. A reevaluation is written when expected duration of treatment is reached. A summary is written upon patient’s discharge.

• A supervisory visit is made every fourteen days on each patient seen by a home health aide as assigned.
• Assists the physician in evaluating level of function.
• Helps develop the plan of care and revises as necessary.
• Prepares clinical and progress notes.
• Advises and consults with the family and other Agency personnel.
• Participates in inservice programs.
• Completes and submits OASIS assessments, reassessments, transfers, resumptions of care, discharges and significant change in condition in accordance with Agency defined time frames.
• Appropriately utilizes ICD-9 codes.

Working Environment

Works indoors in Agency office and patient homes and travels to/from patient homes.

Job Relationships

Supervised by: Director of Outpatient Therapy

Risk Exposure

High risk

Requirements

Qualifications

A person who meets the education and experience requirements for a certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Pathology or audiology granted by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, or

A person who meets the educational requirements for certification and is in the process of accumulating the supervised experience required for certification.

• Currently licensed in the state(s) in which practicing.
• Two (2) years experience, preferred.

Physical Requirements

Ability to Perform the Following Tasks If Necessary

• Ability to participate in physical activity.
• Ability to work for extended period of time while standing and being involved in physical activity.
• Moderate lifting.
• Ability to do extensive bending, lifting and standing on a regular basis.