Speech Therapist

Job Summary: The primary purpose of this position is to provide Speech-Language Pathology services for disorders of speech, voice, swallowing and language; plans appropriate Speech-language Pathology services; provides treatment in accordance with accepted professional standards; and participates in the general functioning of the rehabilitation therapy department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates working knowledge of skilled restorative therapy and maintenance programs
• Screens residents for rehabilitation therapy needs
• Completes Speech-Language Pathology evaluations upon physician order
• Establishes Speech-Language Pathology plan of care for treatments per physician order
• Provides Speech-Language Pathology plan of treatments and modalities
• Modifies treatment program level, intensity and techniques based on the resident’s response to specific treatment plan
• Documents resident progress toward Speech-Language Pathology goals
• Discharges residents from Speech-Language Pathology services when appropriate
• Completes Daily Activity Schedule, progress notes and re-certifications per facility policy.
• Supervises unlicensed assistive personnel
• Provides resident, staff and family education and in-servicing
• Demonstrates working knowledge of Medicare Part A PPS case management
• Complies with Federal and State regulations related to rehabilitation therapy
• Completes all documentation to comply with professional standard and regulatory requirements
• Strives to meet productivity / efficiency goals and self-initiates corrective action plan for non-attainment
• Utilizes the clinical software applications per policies and procedures
• Completes care plans and MDS as directed, per facility policy
• Assists in ordering necessary equipment for the facility and residents
• Participates in the discharge planning process with the interdisciplinary team
• Participates in facility meetings and committees as assigned
• Submits required reports and documentation in accordance with established acceptable time frames
• Participates in internal audits as directed
• Possess a strong knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and other payment sources and their responsibility in the SNF setting
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, techniques and safety while completing job duties and responsibilities.
• Maintains current professional knowledge of practice of Speech-Language Pathology and practices within acceptable professional standards
• Complies with all facility policies and procedures
• Respects all residents all resident rights
• Reports all instances of potential resident abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property immediately
• Follows sanitation and infection control policies and procedures
• Keeps Facility Rehabilitation manager informed and updated appropriately
• Recommends corrective action plan for all identified problems
• Maintains a positive working relationship between the rehabilitation department and other departments
• Maintains high standards of professional conduct
• Adheres to dress code, wears name badge; appearance is professional, neat and clean. No long artificial nails, no large or long dangling jewelry, no large dangling earrings.
• Maintains resident confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) and QAPI activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility.
• Makes eye contact, smiles and greets others by name
• Make an effort to get to know team members, residents and their families.
• Learn about and deliver on the needs of the residents
• Do what you say you will do
• Follow up in a timely manner
• Take time to listen to and understand others
• Recognize and share successes of our Life in Balance culture in action
• Be willing to help others
• Reach out and ask for help when needed
• Speak positively about our care center and the people who live & work here
• Bring positivity and fun to the work environment
• Accept and learn from mistakes
• Be flexible and adaptive to changes in the work environment
• Seek to find solutions to problems
• Take responsibility for the quality of your work
• Seek out information you need to be your best
• Share your knowledge and expertise to help others
• Be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about our care center and what we do
• Communicate and work together across departments

Regulatory Requirements:

• Must possess a current unencumbered NYS license as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Fellow with appropriate supervision from a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Graduate of an accredited school of Speech-language Pathology with a Master’s Degree or higher
• Valid ASHA certification in Speech-Language Pathology or participating in Clinical Fellow Year Program

Language Skills:

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.

Skills:

• Geriatric experience preferred
• A current unrestricted driver’s license and dependable transportation
• Able to use necessary computer applications
• Ability to professionally communicate with internal and external resources
• High level of motivation and ability to take initiative appropriately
• Ability to function independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to function effectively in stressful and changing situations
• Ability to positively give and receive oral and written direction

Physical Demands:

• In good physical health
• Able to push wheelchairs/Geri-chairs with residents
• Able to push supplies on carts weighing up to 50 pounds
• Able to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb/descend stairs throughout shift
• Able to reach above and below shoulder height
• Able to lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing approximately 25 pounds

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising resident care.