Speech Therapist / Speech-Language Pathologist

Job Details:

Salary Range: $90.00 - $110.00, About Direct Care Home Health Services Direct Care Home Health Services is a mission-driven home health agency serving adults and seniors across Washington, DC. We deliver high-quality, patient-centered care that helps people remain safe, independent, and supported at home.

Our promise—Compassionate Care Delivered—guides how we partner with patients, caregivers, and providers to improve outcomes and strengthen continuity of care.

Position Summary The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) provides in-home evaluation, treatment, and care planning for patients with communication, cognitive-linguistic, voice, and swallowing disorders.

The SLP develops individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, educates patients and caregivers, collaborates with physicians and the interdisciplinary team, and documents services in accordance with regulatory, payer, and agency requirements.

This role supports improved function, safety, quality of life, and reduced risk of complications such as aspiration, falls, and avoidable hospitalizations.

Schedule & Travel Full-time, part-time, or PRN; primarily daytime hours with occasional evening, weekend, or holiday coverage as assigned. Local travel within the District of Columbia.

Key

Responsibilities

Assessment & Evaluation Perform comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluations in the home to assess speech, language, cognition, voice, fluency, and swallowing function.

Identify deficits impacting communication, cognition, safety, nutrition/hydration, and quality of life; determine rehabilitation potential and appropriate treatment frequency. Complete standardized and functional assessments, establish measurable goals, and document findings clearly in the EMR.

Treatment Planning & Intervention Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings, physician orders, and patient/caregiver goals.

Provide skilled therapy interventions for aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, dysphagia, cognitive-linguistic impairment, voice disorders, and related conditions within SLP scope of practice. Recommend compensatory strategies, adaptive techniques, and home exercise programs to support carryover and independence.

Monitor patient response to treatment and modify interventions as needed to optimize outcomes. Swallowing & Safety Management Assess swallowing function and aspiration risk within home health scope; provide dysphagia management, safe-swallow strategies, and caregiver instruction.

Collaborate with physicians, nursing, dietitians, and caregivers regarding diet recommendations, precautions, and follow-up as appropriate. Promptly communicate any signs of aspiration, nutritional risk, or decline in status to the RN and provider.

Caregiver Education & Interdisciplinary Collaboration Educate patients and caregivers on communication support strategies, cognitive retraining techniques, swallowing precautions, and home program implementation.

Collaborate with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, home health aides, and case managers to align treatment plans and support continuity of care. Participate in case conferences, interdisciplinary meetings, and care coordination activities as assigned.

Documentation, Compliance & Quality Complete timely, accurate documentation in the EMR, including evaluations, visit notes, treatment progress, communication logs, and discharge summaries. Ensure documentation supports medical necessity, physician orders, payer requirements, agency quality standards, and clean claims.

Adhere to HIPAA, Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), agency policies, and professional practice standards. Use EVV/visit verification workflows as applicable and resolve documentation deficiencies within required timeframes.

Program Support & Professional Practice Support quality improvement initiatives related to therapy outcomes, visit timeliness, and patient satisfaction. Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based speech-language pathology practice, home health regulations, and documentation standards.

Provide input into therapy workflows, education resources, and process improvements that strengthen patient care and operational performance. Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Qualifications

Required Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders from an accredited program. Current licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the District of Columbia, in good standing.

Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) or eligibility as required by the role and payer guidelines. Current BLS/CPR certification. 1+ year of recent speech-language pathology experience; home health, rehabilitation, SNF, outpatient, or acute care experience preferred.

Proficiency with EMR systems and Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel). Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to patient homes. Preferred Home health therapy experience with strong knowledge of documentation and medical necessity requirements.

Experience treating dysphagia, cognitive-linguistic impairment, post-stroke communication disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Familiarity with EVV and home health EMRs (e. g., Homecare Homebase, WellSky/Kinnser, AlayaCare). Bilingual or multilingual skills.

Core Competencies Strong clinical judgment and evidence-based therapeutic decision-making. Patient-centered communication and caregiver education skills. Organization, time management, and follow-through in a field-based environment. Collaboration across interdisciplinary and administrative teams.

Documentation accuracy, compliance awareness, and attention to detail. Professionalism and discretion in handling PHI. Physical & Work Environment

Requirements

Frequent driving and care delivery in varied home environments, including stairs, pets, and limited space. Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and carry therapy materials/equipment; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. Exposure to common home and healthcare-related environmental factors; uses appropriate PPE per policy. Compliance & Health

Requirements

Background check and employment eligibility verification. Health clearance per agency policy (e. g., TB screening, immunizations). Annual competencies and mandatory trainings.

Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision Paid Time Off Paid Holidays.

Pay Range (Customize) $90–$110.00 per visit, depending on the type of visit, experience, territory, schedule, and credentials.

EEO Statement Direct Care Home Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.