Speech Language Pathologist

JOB TITLE: Speech Language Pathologist

DEPARTMENT: Rehabilitation

SUPERVISOR: Director of Rehabilitation

WORK AREA: Rehabilitation Department and Patient Rooms

JOB SUMMARY:

Treats residents who have been referred to the speech language pathologist by the resident’s physician on written order. Identifies residents by diagnosis or observation or staff referral who may benefit from therapy and requests orders for evaluation and treatment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Reviews referrals for speech therapy and physician’s orders; performs evaluations, sets goals, devises treatment programs, and implements treatments based on diagnosis, resident’s condition and rehabilitative prognosis. Makes recommendations, sends progress note, and consults with the physician as necessary.

• Maintains proper documentation in medical record including evaluations, progress notes, discharge summaries and treatment logs. Provides information for care planning, MDS and quality assurance.

• Seeks current information in the field to optimize patient treatment and outcome. Uses evidence-based treatment plan and initiates optimal continual education opportunities.

• Communicates with interdisciplinary team regarding patient care and consults with families as needed. Acts as a SLP consultant to all departments providing in-services as necessary; may perform other duties as directed by the department Director. Communicates with SLP and per-diem staff.

• Uses effective communication techniques within rehabilitation department and inter-departmentally to maximize team building.

• Maintains 85% productivity level.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a clinical rehabilitation department setting and in patient rooms where contact with staff, physicians, residents’ families and the public is required. Requires walking up to 95% of the workday. Must be capable to pushing, pulling, and moving up to 50 pounds or more. Finger dexterity is required with eye-hand coordination and vision and hearing corrected to normal range.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Reports to the Director of Therapy.

Treats patient information as confidential materials.

Maintains safety of patient and self during treatment.

Accurate and timely record keeping.

Follows nursing home policies and procedures.

Respects residents’ rights and dignity.

Reports any suspected resident abuse as required by government regulations and the nursing home policies.

Attend all required in-services and seminars.

Mandatory in-services must be met within time required.

Required to follow established policies regarding tardiness, attendance, and dress code.

Serves as a positive ambassador to Community Wellness Partners, their affiliates, residents, staff, visitors, and the community.