Speech Language Pathalogist

GHC LTC Management LLC•Newton, TX

About The Position

The Speech Language Pathologist plans, organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs speech-language pathology and audiology services in a facility, in accordance with physician orders, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, state practice acts, and ASHA guidance. The role oversees service delivery and related programs, tracks and reports key performance indicators, and works with the Rehabilitation Director to address outcomes, regulatory compliance, practice requirements, and customer satisfaction. The position establishes processes for timely resident screening, evaluation, treatment, discharge, documentation, billing, and coding. It contributes resident information for assessment and care-planning processes, maintains and appropriately sanitizes therapy equipment, and participates in interdisciplinary meetings related to therapy progress and discharge planning. The Speech Language Pathologist works with residents, families, facility employees, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to support quality care and resident functioning. The role also supports regulatory and safety readiness, promotes effective teamwork and communication, and adheres to facility policies, professional standards, confidentiality requirements, infection-control practices, and resident-rights protections. It reports suspected abuse, neglect, noncompliance, safety incidents, and other concerns through appropriate channels, and completes assigned training and competency requirements.

Requirements

Hold a valid, unrestricted license in the applicable therapy discipline in the state of employment.
Meet the educational requirements for the applicable licensure.
Hold a valid driver’s license in the state of employment.
Have knowledge of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Be able to deal tactfully with residents, personnel, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the public, including difficult or emotionally challenging situations.
Be willing and able to move intermittently throughout the workday and assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.
Meet facility general health requirements, including medical and physical examinations and immunity-status checks.
Be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting, and perform other common physical movements needed for the role.
Be able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant and to follow oral and written instructions.
Have leadership and supervisory skills and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
Be able to relay information concerning residents, employees, or other subjects and communicate with medical, nursing, and other departments.
Be willing to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Be able to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
Be willing to accept call-backs during emergency conditions.
Be able to work in the office and throughout the facility and complete tasks despite frequent interruptions.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct speech-language pathology and audiology services and programs in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, practice acts, physician orders, and ASHA guidance.
Coordinate, monitor, and report department key performance indicators; evaluate outcomes and make recommendations to the Rehabilitation Director regarding needed actions.
Develop and implement processes for timely resident screening, evaluation, treatment, discharge, and associated documentation.
Follow facility policies for documentation, billing, and coding of resident services.
Provide resident information required for assessment processes, including information related to swallowing, speech, hearing, cognition, BIMS, therapy minutes, and distinct calendar days.
Provide prior functional-cognition information for Medicare Part A and Medicare Advantage residents upon admission, as required by facility policy.
Ensure therapy equipment is properly stored, used, cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized.
Participate in rehabilitative and interdisciplinary meetings concerning therapy progress and discharge planning, as designated by the Rehabilitation Director.
Maintain knowledge of applicable state practice acts, professional standards, scope of work, supervision requirements, and relevant regulatory and business-practice changes.
Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, employees, and family members through deliberate communication and interactions.
Maintain professional accountability under applicable standards of practice, bylaws, and codes of conduct.
Facilitate, serve on, attend, or participate in facility committees as needed.
Promote compassionate, quality care, adequate staff competency, clean treatment areas, and resident functioning and satisfaction.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to enhance resident services and resolve issues.
Promote teamwork, mutual respect, effective communication, positivity, and daily problem-solving.
Make written and oral reports and recommendations to the Rehabilitation Director.
Follow facility policies for readiness for health inspections, OSHA surveys, and other regulatory requirements.
Promote safe work practices and accident prevention to help prevent injury and illness.
Treat residents with dignity and respect and protect their rights.
Comply with facility policies, standards of business conduct, and applicable regulations and guidelines.
Follow safety, hygiene, and infection-control measures; maintain confidentiality of protected health information.
Report policy or regulatory noncompliance, confidentiality breaches, retaliation, discrimination, allegations of resident abuse or mistreatment, occupational exposures, and work-related injuries or illnesses to appropriate personnel.
Participate in life-safety and emergency drills and training, fulfill assigned emergency-plan duties, and assist with resident evacuation when needed.
Complete assigned training and skills competencies.
Communicate with medical, nursing, and other facility departments; accept call-backs during emergency conditions and work to task completion despite interruptions.