Speech Therapist

Position Summary:

Design and implement a program of speech therapy for PACE participants to restore or retain function in order to remain independent in the community. Perform assessments of PACE patients and develop individualized plans of care. Select approaches to use to achieve maximum performance. Supervise the carrying out of the plan of care by support staff. Perform reassessments as indicated. Modify the program based on reevaluations and the patient population.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop and implement a program of speech therapy for PACE patients to achieve maximum performance and remain independent in the community. Modify the program as needed based on reevaluations and the patient population.
• Ensure that required equipment and supplies for the speech therapy program are communicated to the Program Director.
• Perform assessments of patients to determine abilities and rehabilitation potential.
• Develop and implement an individualized plan of care to address the speech, language, and/or swallowing difficulties present and increase function to a maximum level.
• Provide therapies to include augmentative or alternative communication methods, including automated devices and sign language, and teaching how to strengthen muscles or use compensatory strategies to swallow without choking or inhaling food or liquid.
• Counsel patients and their families concerning communication disorders and how to cope with the stress and misunderstanding that often accompany them. Work with family members to recognize and change behavior patterns that impede communication and treatment and show them communication-enhancing techniques to use at home.
• Supervise the carrying out of the individual plan of care by qualified support staff.
• Perform reassessments as indicated. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and modify goals as necessary.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient's health record. Record, sign, and date quarterly progress notes. Review and initial all evaluations and the discharge summary.
• Ensure services provided are in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and selfesteem to all patients.
• Develop personnel policies which define speech therapy responsibilities and the duties assigned to the support staff or therapy assistants by the individual treatment plan.
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.
• Coordinate the preparation of reports and written documentation including medical records, as required by the center, company, state and federal agencies.
• Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Travelling for meetings, home, and hospital visits as required

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited speech language pathology program with a master’s degree.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and specialization in therapy of conditions associated with disabled and aged patients.
• Current license to practice in the State of California. Passing score on national examination.
• Current Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider Course training.
• At least one year field experience.
• Experience working with aged and disabled populations.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for treatment of communication and neurological disorders and associated speech, language, and swallowing impairments. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs. Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.
• May involve prolonged sitting or standing beside patients.
• Requires attention to detail and intense concentration.
• Mentally challenging due to the emotional needs of patients.
• Families and caregivers may be demanding.
• Must possess a commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promoting maximum patient independence and functional ability.