Speech Language Pathologist

PACS Group•North Augusta, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Anchor Post Acute is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist to join its skilled nursing and rehabilitation team at a 120-bed facility in Aiken, South Carolina. The Staff Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and other members of the health team, and documents services in medical records. The role also includes ongoing staff in-services and training. New graduates and Clinical Fellows are welcome to apply; skilled nursing or rehabilitation experience is a plus but is not required. The position focuses on evaluating and treating speech, language, cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders; developing individualized plans of care; and supporting residents’ independence and quality of life. The Speech-Language Pathologist works collaboratively with residents, families, physicians, nursing staff, and the interdisciplinary team, and helps educate caregivers and facility staff. The role requires maintaining a safe treatment environment and completing accurate documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and payer requirements. The work is performed in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. The environment is usually low to moderate in noise. Physical demands include frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and climbing or other movements needed for resident care, and assisting, supporting, and transporting residents using safe handling practices. The role may require lifting or exerting force to move residents or equipment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology; the detailed qualifications section also lists a bachelor’s degree and prefers graduates of a master’s or doctorate program.
Current state license as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Speech Therapist, maintained in good standing.
Meet continuing education requirements under state practice requirements.
Proficient computer skills, including entering data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-form instructions.
Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.
Ability to meet the physical demands of resident care, including standing and walking frequently; assisting, supporting, and transporting residents; and moving residents or equipment.
Effective talking and hearing skills and the ability to perceive tactile, auditory, and visual information for safe resident care.

Nice To Haves

CCC-SLP certification preferred; Clinical Fellows are encouraged to apply.
Skilled nursing or rehabilitation experience is a plus but not required.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Additional certification as appropriate to the facility.

Responsibilities

Evaluate residents to determine speech therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans to improve communication, cognition, swallowing function, independence, and quality of life.
Assess and treat swallowing disorders to help residents eat and drink safely, including education on aspiration prevention strategies.
Communicate regularly with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Participate in Resident Care conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Supervise Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellows and students in resident care and related activities, as applicable and in accordance with the state practice act.
Conduct in-services and provide training programs for facility staff as needed.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in medical records in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise and maintenance programs, safety techniques, and aspiration prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering necessary durable medical equipment to support residents’ independence in swallowing and cognition.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Maintain a positive, effective, and appropriate working relationship with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.