PRN Speech Language Pathologist

About the role

The Staff Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians and other health team members, and maintains documentation of services in the medical records. Conducts in-services and training for facility staff on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents to determine speech therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence.
• Aid nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
• Serve as supervisor for Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellows (CFY) or students, if applicable.
• Communicate regularly with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
• Participate in Resident Care conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
• Provide in-services on training programs for other staff in the facility as needed.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
• Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
• Inform residents, families, and caregivers about treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and aspiration prevention strategies.
• Recommend and facilitate the ordering of necessary durable medical equipment for residents to facilitate independence in swallowing and cognition.
• Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
• Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, preferably from a graduate program.
• Proficiency in computer skills such as inputting data into programs like Net Health and Point Click Care.
• Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
• Effective presentation and response to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret various instructions.
• Ability to communicate, including talking and hearing, to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team.
• Perception and response to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, for safe and effective resident care.
• Assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Qualifications

• Licensed as a Speech Therapist in the state.
• Maintain continuing education requirements per state practices.
• Maintain a license in good standing at all times with the state board.
• Determine additional certifications as appropriate per facility.
• CPR certification, if required by licensure.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally.
• Occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, with exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds to safely move residents or equipment.
• Effective communication, including talking and hearing, is required.
• Perceive and respond to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, is essential.
• Assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.