Speech Therapist

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Job description

Job Summary: The primary purpose of this position is to provide Speech-Language Pathology services for disorders of speech, voice, swallowing and language; plans appropriate Speech-language Pathology services; provides treatment in accordance with accepted professional standards; and participates in the general functioning of the rehabilitation therapy department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

Demonstrates working knowledge of skilled restorative therapy and maintenance programs
Screens residents for rehabilitation therapy needs
Completes Speech-Language Pathology evaluations upon physician order
Establishes Speech-Language Pathology plan of care for treatments per physician order
Provides Speech-Language Pathology plan of treatments and modalities
Modifies treatment program level, intensity and techniques based on the resident's response to specific treatment plan
Documents resident progress toward Speech-Language Pathology goals
Discharges residents from Speech-Language Pathology services when appropriate
Completes Daily Activity Schedule, progress notes and re-certifications per facility policy.
Supervises unlicensed assistive personnel
Provides resident, staff and family education and in-servicing
Demonstrates working knowledge of Medicare Part A PPS case management
Complies with Federal and State regulations related to rehabilitation therapy
Completes all documentation to comply with professional standard and regulatory requirements
Strives to meet productivity / efficiency goals and self-initiates corrective action plan for non-attainment
Utilizes the clinical software applications per policies and procedures
Completes care plans and MDS as directed, per facility policy
Assists in ordering necessary equipment for the facility and residents
Participates in the discharge planning process with the interdisciplinary team
Participates in facility meetings and committees as assigned
Submits required reports and documentation in accordance with established acceptable time frames
Participates in internal audits as directed
Possess a strong knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and other payment sources and their responsibility in the SNF setting
Utilizes proper body mechanics, techniques and safety while completing job duties and responsibilities.
Maintains current professional knowledge of practice of Speech-Language Pathology and practices within acceptable professional standards
Complies with all facility policies and procedures
Respects all residents all resident rights
Reports all instances of potential resident abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property immediately
Follows sanitation and infection control policies and procedures
Keeps Facility Rehabilitation manager informed and updated appropriately
Recommends corrective action plan for all identified problems
Maintains a positive working relationship between the rehabilitation department and other departments
Maintains high standards of professional conduct
Adheres to dress code, wears name badge; appearance is professional, neat and clean. No long artificial nails, no large or long dangling jewelry, no large dangling earrings.
Maintains resident confidentiality at all times.
Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) and QAPI activities.
Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility.
Makes eye contact, smiles and greets others by name
Make an effort to get to know team members, residents and their families.
Learn about and deliver on the needs of the residents
Do what you say you will do
Follow up in a timely manner
Take time to listen to and understand others
Recognize and share successes of our Life in Balance culture in action
Be willing to help others
Reach out and ask for help when needed
Speak positively about our care center and the people who live & work here
Bring positivity and fun to the work environment
Accept and learn from mistakes
Be flexible and adaptive to changes in the work environment
Seek to find solutions to problems
Take responsibility for the quality of your work
Seek out information you need to be your best
Share your knowledge and expertise to help others
Be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about our care center and what we do
Communicate and work together across departments

Regulatory Requirements:

Must possess a current unencumbered NYS license as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Clinical Fellow with appropriate supervision from a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
Graduate of an accredited school of Speech-language Pathology with a Master's Degree or higher
Valid ASHA certification in Speech-Language Pathology or participating in Clinical Fellow Year Program

Language Skills:

Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Additional languages preferred.
Strong written and verbal skills.

Skills:

Geriatric experience preferred
A current unrestricted driver's license and dependable transportation
Able to use necessary computer applications
Ability to professionally communicate with internal and external resources
High level of motivation and ability to take initiative appropriately
Ability to function independently as well as part of a team
Ability to function effectively in stressful and changing situations
Ability to positively give and receive oral and written direction

Physical Demands:

In good physical health
Able to push wheelchairs/Geri-chairs with residents
Able to push supplies on carts weighing up to 50 pounds
Able to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and climb/descend stairs throughout shift
Able to reach above and below shoulder height
Able to lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing approximately 25 pounds

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising resident care.

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