POSITION SUMMARY 

The purpose of your job position is to manage, develop, and direct the overall operation of the nursing department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards that govern the facility, and as directed by the Administrator and Medical Director.

The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) will treat each resident with kindness, dignity and respect. They will knock before entering each resident’s room. They will refer to each resident by their name. They will be courteous to families, visitors and all staff. They will maintain a positive and calm disposition. They will communicate clearly, diplomatically, and effectively when speaking to residents, family members, visitors, staff and any governmental agency personnel. They will make sound independent decisions. They will set an example of working collaboratively between multidisciplinary teams. They will demonstrate patience, initiative and willingness to assist residents that may be difficult. They will be committed to always doing the right thing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of residents' speech, language, voice, and swallowing functions.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings.
• Educate residents and their families on communication strategies and techniques.
• Monitor and document residents' progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and facility policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe therapy environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and complies with state and federal regulations.
• Performs preparatory data gathering necessary to adequately evaluate the patient's needs prior to initial patient contact.
• Demonstrates accuracy in performing patient evaluations; interprets results within scope of licensure.
• Demonstrates the ability to formulate realistic and appropriate short- and long-term treatment goals.  Discusses these goals with patient/family and other members of the healthcare team.
• Develops and implements therapy programs specific to each patient in accordance with the prescribed physician treatment.
• Demonstrates the ability to design treatment programs for patients with varying degrees/types of disabilities and multiple medical problems.
• Collaborates with members of the rehabilitation team to develop the most appropriate treatment plan consistent with the needs and level of functioning of each patient.
• Develops innovative home programs individualized to meet the needs of the patient/family.  Instructs the patient and family in these programs.
• Initiates consideration of patient discharge on the day of admission to facilitate transition to the home or long term care environment.
• Utilizes a comprehensive approach to patient evaluation and implementation of the therapy program; assesses physical, social and emotional needs of the patient.
• Reports significant alterations in patient's condition to patient's physician.
• Demonstrates appropriate professional judgment in presenting alternative or innovative solutions to problems encountered in the course of speech therapy, revises treatments as necessary.

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies these are the only duties you will be required to perform as directed by management. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

REQUIREMENTS

·       Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.

·       Current state licensure or certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

·       Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) preferred.

·       Previous experience in a skilled nursing facility or similar healthcare setting is preferred.

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·       Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

·       Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·       Compassionate and patient-focused approach to care.

Working Conditions

May encounter frequent interruptions.

May be involved with residents, family and government agencies.

May be requested to work beyond scheduled working hours at times.

Is subject to callback during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, postdisaster, etc.)

May be subjected to odors, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoking or air contaminants.

May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

May be exposed to or handle hazardous chemicals.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day.

Working throughout the nursing areas

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, lifting more weight up to 100 pounds requires assistance.

Ability to read fine print on tablet, progress notes and/or medical labels.