Speech Language Pathologist

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The Speech Language Pathologist is a licensed professional who provides direct and indirect patient care services to patients in their home environment or alternative setting according to the organization’s policies and procedures. Evaluates patients and develops speech therapy treatment programs in collaboration with the physician and provides speech therapy treatments to patients. Administers complex active and passive therapeutic exercise. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients / caregivers in learning and improving activities of daily living.

Responsibilities

• Assesses and analyzes of patient care needs and establishes mutual goals with the patient and/or caregiver for a comprehensive plan of care including discharge planning
• Assesses the patient’s environment with particular attention to safety to ensure the environment is suitable for the delivery of safe and effective care
• Assesses the patient support system and utilization of available community resources to ensure optimum level of care
• Identifies therapy diagnosis/patient care problems and interventions; makes additions or changes to ensure the patient problems are comprehensively addressed and progress documented
• Upon receipt of the Physician’s orders, interprets and implements those services and programs related to Speech Therapy
• Ensures these orders are carried out in a professional manner satisfying professional ethics, patient rights and State and Federal codes and regulations
• Initiates and coordinates the plan of care to include other disciplines as needed and ensures integration of care
• Documents additions and/or changes to the patient plan of care
• Re-evaluates the patient’s progress and therapy program making changes as necessary and under the physician’s direction
• Provides patient and caregiver education relating to diagnosis, medications, infection control, and safety measures in accordance with the plan of care
• Conducts comprehensive medication reviews and ensure patients and their caregiver, if any, receive information regarding the patient’s medication regimen, including but not limited to frequency, duration, use, side effects, indications, and contraindications
• Provides education to the patient and their family regarding medication administration, actions, side effects, etc. (as above)
• Provides written materials for patients and their families
• Communicates with other disciplines to ensure collaboration, coordination of care and enhance patient outcomes
• Provides all aspects of case management to enhance patient outcomes
• Completes and submits all required documentation within established agency guidelines
• Ensures compliance with state/local/payer requirements and that documentation reflects the care provided and meets company, regulatory and payer standards
• Requisition and management of equipment and supplies required to increase the client’s function and independence as appropriate to care
• Demonstrates teaching skills and continued competence in performing therapeutic interventions for all levels of complexity in patient care
• Coordination of all aspects of the patient care with internal as well as external care providers
• Instructs patient/caregivers of the safety measures appropriate to care
• Maintains universal precautions and infection control standards to prevent the transmission of infections and communicable diseases. Appropriately disinfect/sanitize/transport equipment and supplies used for patient care; and use proper medical waste disposal techniques
• Recognition of changes in patient status and reporting appropriately
• Provides clear, concise, and complete reporting of patient status in compliance with agency and regulatory standards
• Completes documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards
• Demonstration of proficiency in OASIS documentation including timeframes and response accuracy
• Reports all incidents per agency and regulatory standards
• Follows policies and procedures according to agency, state, and regulatory standards
• Use of safe body mechanics to prevent personal injury to self or patient
• Functions within the Scope of Practice
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, patient care conferences, in-services and other meetings as requested
• Maintains confidentiality of patient related information and honor patient rights
• Participates in the agency’s QAPI program by communicating problem areas identified and recommendations to address problem areas; data collection; attendance at periodic QAPI meetings; and participation in performance improvement projects as requested
• Other duties as assigned and within scope of practice

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited school
• Valid license from the state practicing in
• Current CPR certification
• Prior home care experience preferred
• Ability to administer manual therapeutic exercises; instruct, motivate, and assist clients in non-manual exercises and functional activities
• Ability to evaluate cognitive, swallowing, expression, understanding, and fluency and develop a plan of care based on findings
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• General knowledge of computers and the ability to learn industry specific software applications
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a keen attention to details
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to develop critical thinking skills, research situations, solve complex problems and deal with a variety of issues
• Ability to learn and complete various educational goals during orientation