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Therapy Descriptions - Speech Language Pathologist

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SLP Speech Language Pathologist

JOB SUMMARY

The Speech Language Pathologist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and other team members and maintains documentation of services in the medical record. Routine, restorative, and maintenance procedures for patients are taught by the Speech Language Pathologist to other facility staff on an ongoing and as needed basis.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

  1. Reports to the Therapy Manager.
  2. Supervises Rehab Techs, and trains Rehab Techs.
  3. Coordinates patient care with members of other departments and other staff within the Rehab Services Department.

DUTIES

  1. Supervise the day-to-day functions of the Rehab Techs.
  2. Evaluate residents within 48 hours of physician referral.
  3. Develops effective treatment plans and obtains approval for services from referring physician.
  4. Treats residents according to the physician treatment plan.
  5. Documents treatments given and enters subjective information in the medical record.
  6. Communicates with physician, supervisor, and other team members regarding patient progress, problems, and plans.
  7. Ensures that all treatment minutes are completed as assigned and reports to the Therapy Manager any minutes missed on the day it occurs.
  8. Participates in resident care conferences and meetings as appropriate.
  9. Conducts inservice training meetings for other staff in the facility.
  10. Records evaluations, treatment notes, progress notes, and discharge summaries in the medical record per facility policy.
  11. Record information into the patient services logs per facility policy.
  12. Instructs residents’ families and/or nursing staff in maintenance, routine or restorative programs.
  13. Participates in discharge planning.
  14. Assists in obtaining durable medical equipment for residents as needed.
  15. Reports any problems with department equipment to ensure it is maintained in proper working order.
  16. Acts as clinical preceptor for affiliating Speech Therapy students.
  17. Assists in the maintaining the cleanliness of the treatment area.
  18. Complies with state SLP practice act.
  19. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Must be a graduate of an approved Masters level program of Speech, Hearing Science and Language development.
  2. Must hold a current unrestricted license to practice as a Speech Language Pathologist in the state.
  3. Must have a Certification of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
  4. Long Term care facility experience desired.
  5. Must have the ability to provide personnel supervision and teaching and to communicate with them in effective manner.
  6. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works throughout the Rehab area (i.e., therapy room, hallways, resident rooms, etc.). Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours. Is subject to frequent interruptions. Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Is subject to hostile and upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors. May work beyond normal working hours when necessary. Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (with or without the aid of mechanical devices)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day. Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics enabling these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability. Must be able to lift, push, pull and move a minimum of 50 pounds. Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents.