Purpose of Job Position:

The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) assesses and evaluates patients who would benefit from skilled speech therapy services and develops an appropriate plan of care following all regulatory and clinical practices requirements.

Job Functions

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  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.

Duties and Responsibilities;

• Effectively screen/evaluate patients with possible communication, cognitive or swallowing disorders and develops appropriate plan of care following all regulatory and clinical practice standards

• Provide rehabilitative, skilled and medically necessary treatment intervention to patients with communication, cognitive and/or swallowing disorders per regulatory and clinical practice requirements
• Evaluate treatment outcomes for effectiveness
• Provide comprehensive discharge summary of services provided per regulatory and clinical requirements

• Work closely with patients, family members and other care team members to adequately plan for patient needs, to include short term and long term goals
• Effectively communicate with supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, barriers, and treatment plans
• Chart appropriately and timely

• Must utilize good body mechanics at all times
• Must demonstrate dependability and regular attendance

• Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions

Personnel Functions

• Maintain an excellent working relationship within the Therapy team and cross functionally
• Report occupational exposures of blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the facility

Staff Development

• Attend and participate in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain any applicable licenses
• Attend meetings and in-services as required
• Complete assigned Relias training timely

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Recommend to the DOR equipment and supply needs for the department
• Make periodic rounds to check equipment and to assure that necessary equipment is available and working properly
• Clean equipment
• Check supply rooms to assure that needed supplies are on hand
• Ensure that all equipment is operating in a safe manner
• Ensure that supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste
• Ensure that appropriate cleaning supplies are on hand to perform necessary clean-up

Care Plan and Assessment Functions

• May assist in the development of preliminary and comprehensive assessments of the therapy needs of each patient
• Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing a comprehensive plan of care

Resident Rights

• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information
• Know and practice the Center’s policy on patient/residents rights

Miscellaneous

• Be sure that appropriate protective clothing/devices are on hand and used for handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids
• Flexibility with schedule to cover the needs of the department

Working Conditions

• Works in the Therapy gym, patient rooms, in offices, as well as throughout the Center
• Moves continuously 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 emotionally upset patient, family members, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing services, and other department supervisors
• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends and in other positions temporarily, when necessary
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.)
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.,
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle patients based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing services
• Must be able to relate information concerning a patient’s condition
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move continuously throughout the work day
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, personnel and support agencies
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.  Requires pushing, pulling, lifting, kneeling, bending, and the ability move freely from one position to another
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations

Education and Certification Requirement

• Current Speech Language Pathology License
• CPR/BLS Certification

Update 10.24.2022

Acknowledgment

I have read this job description and fully understand the requirements set forth therein.  I hereby accept the position of SLP and agree to perform the identified essential functions in a safe manner and in accordance with the facility’s established procedures.  I understand that as a result of my employment, I may be exposed to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, hazardous chemicals and that the facility will provide to me instructions on how to prevent and control such exposures.  I further understand that I may also be exposed to the Hepatitis B virus and that the facility will make available to me, free of charge, the hepatitis B vaccination.

This job description is not intended to constitute a contract of employment, either express or implied.  I understand that my employment is at will.  I have the right to end my employment with or without notice, for any reason and at any time.  The Center has the same right and may terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice.  This job description does not modify my at-will employment status.