Home Health Speech Therapist PRN

Nurses on Wheels•Corpus Christi, TX

8d•Remote

About The Position

The Home Health Speech Therapist is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders in the home setting. The Speech Therapist develops individualized treatment plans that maximize functional communication, improve swallowing safety, enhance quality of life, and promote patient independence while collaborating with physicians, nurses, therapists, caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team. Care is provided in accordance with physician orders, agency policies, state and federal regulations, and professional standards.

Requirements

Valid professional licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Proficiency in evaluating and treating a wide range of speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders.
Knowledge of Medicare, HIPAA, and other relevant regulations.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
Access to reliable transportation for home visits.

Nice To Haves

Experience in home health or hospice care.
Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Specialized certifications in areas such as dysphagia management or cognitive rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluations in the patient’s home.
Assess: Speech disorders, Language deficits, Cognitive-communication impairments, Voice disorders, Swallowing (dysphagia), Oral motor function, Functional communication abilities.
Review medical history, medications, physician orders, and previous therapy records.
Determine rehabilitation potential and establish measurable treatment goals.
Develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care.
Establish short- and long-term goals.
Modify treatment plans based on patient progress or decline.
Recommend appropriate frequency and duration of services.
Provide skilled speech-language therapy to improve: Expressive language, Receptive language, Speech intelligibility, Cognitive functioning, Memory, Attention, Problem-solving, Voice quality, Swallowing safety.
Implement compensatory communication strategies.
Perform dysphagia management, including therapeutic swallowing exercises when appropriate.
Recommend diet texture modifications in collaboration with the physician and interdisciplinary team.
Monitor patient response to interventions and adjust treatment as needed.
Educate patients and caregivers regarding: Communication strategies, Swallowing precautions, Aspiration prevention, Home exercise programs, Adaptive equipment, Safe feeding techniques.
Reinforce therapy goals during each visit.
Evaluate caregiver understanding and competency.
Collaborate with: Physicians, Registered nurses, Physical therapists, Occupational therapists, Social workers, Home health aides, Dietitians.
Participate in interdisciplinary care conferences.
Communicate significant changes in patient condition promptly.
Recommend additional services or referrals when indicated.
Complete timely and accurate documentation including: Initial evaluations, Visit notes, Progress reports, Recertifications, Reassessments, Discharge summaries.
Document skilled interventions, patient response, progress toward goals, and caregiver education.
Ensure documentation meets Medicare, payer, agency, and regulatory requirements.
Adhere to all applicable federal, state, Medicare, HIPAA, and agency regulations.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Follow infection prevention and safety standards during home visits.
Maintain required professional licensure and continuing education.
Assess the home environment for safety concerns affecting communication or swallowing.
Identify aspiration risks and implement appropriate precautions.
Report unsafe living conditions or abuse/neglect according to agency policy.
Utilize universal precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).