JOB SUMMARY

The Speech Language Pathologist evaluates, plans, and administers comprehensive speech therapy modalities/regimens as prescribed by a physician to patients with speech, voice, language, cognitive-communicative and oral-pharyngeal swallowing disorders in their place of residence for the purpose of improving and/or restoring speech and/or swallowing functions. The Speech Language Pathologist provides patient treatments under the orders of a physician. The Speech Language Pathologist complies with applicable laws and regulations and adheres to Medicare and Medicaid regulations.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs accurate and comprehensive initial and ongoing speech, language and swallowing assessments in response to patients’ needs and in accordance with physician orders.
• Initiates a written plan of care, re-evaluates and updates the plan as necessary.
• Performs comprehensive assessment utilizing the OASIS data set.
• Assists the physician in evaluating the patient to determine the type of speech or language disorder and the appropriate corrective therapy.
• Performs initial evaluations, coordinates care planning with physician, and carries out orders for therapy services in the home setting.
• Attends agency meetings and in-service programs as required.
• Participates in case conferences to discuss multidisciplinary team responsibilities, patient progress, and plans for continued care.
• Documents skilled care and/or services provided in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
• Records activities and findings in the clinical record and reports to the physician and Director of Nursing/clinical designee the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition, or when there are deviations from the plan of care.
• Plans patient discharge appropriately; provides information about community resources to address patient ongoing needs.
• Instructs other health team personnel and caregivers in methods of assisting the patient to improve and correct speech disabilities.
• Acts as Case Manager for speech therapy only cases.
• Promotes and provides patient/family/caregiver education using various verbal and written communication techniques that take into account the patient’s/family’s cultural, ethnic, and/or personal needs or preferences.
• Supervises Speech Therapy Assistants in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards.
• Communicates with all members of the health care team, including physicians appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Participates in the agency’s performance/quality improvement program.
• Maintains currency of knowledge and skills.
• Obtains appropriate number of continuing education credits to maintain re-licensure status.
• Completes projects/assignments within specific timetables.
• Attains goals as set forth in the annual performance evaluation.
• Submits documentation within required timeframes.
• Maintains strict confidentiality on patient, agency, and employee matters.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal responsibilities of the job identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Master’s level graduate in the area of Speech Therapy or Speech Language Pathology from an accredited university or college
Licensure: Currently licensed in the state of practice
Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience as a Speech Language Pathologist

• Meets the education and experience requirements for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology or Audiology awarded by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association; or, Meets the education requirements for certification and is in the process of accumulating the supervised experience required for certification.
• CPR per agency policy.
• Current health certificate/physical examination and TB testing results (if applicable).
• Evidence of adequate health status to perform described duties.
• Knowledgeable of federal, state regulations and agency’s policies and procedures regarding patient care.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate across all levels of authority and to patients.
• Possesses excellent organization, problem solving, and project management skills.
• Maintains licensure requirements as applicable to the position.
• Maintains a valid driver’s license and insurance as applicable to the position.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

1. Hours of Work: As required and scheduled.

2. Physical and Mental Demands & Limitations Statement: This position requires good physical and mental health. The position requires the physical & mental ability to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, write, hear and see. The position requires mental fortitude to use logical and analytical thinking and the ability to handle stress. For specific physical demands of the position please see attached.

You are not required to disclose information about physical or mental limitations that you believe will not interfere with your ability to do the job. However, you should disclose any physical or mental impairment for which special arrangements or reasonable accommodations are needed to enable you to perform the essential functions of the job. Your description of any impairment and suggestions for reasonable accommodations will be considered in providing reasonable accommodations.

HIPAA

Demonstrates an understanding of the HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) regulations as they apply to their job and business. Maintains strict confidentiality of all patient information, medical information and the medical record.

a. Discusses only appropriate patient information in public and private areas protecting the confidentiality and dignity of all patients, by actions and words.
b. Releases only appropriate patient information over the telephone providing for balance between guest services and confidentiality of all patients.
c. Maintains record confidentiality by sending all internal and external written patient information in sealed envelopes to other departments.
d. Has a clear understanding of the HIPAA Security rule as it relates to electronic, technical and physical safeguards for computer equipment, and access levels.