| Job Description: |
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
|
