Speech Language Pathologist

Bluestem Village • La Junta, CO

6d

About The Position

The Speech Language Pathologist (ST) prevents, evaluates, assesses, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders as ordered by a physician. The role provides quality care to Villagers through skilled, medically necessary assessments and individualized treatment plans that support independence and functioning. The therapist may also provide aural rehabilitation and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and train clients, families, caregivers, and professionals. The position collaborates with other professionals on diagnostic swallowing procedures and participates in care conferences and discharge planning.

The role also supports facility and professional-partner training, screening rounds, student development, compliance with required training and competency programs, and therapy-department cleanliness and tour readiness. The therapist works in designated areas of the home and may work beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, in other positions temporarily, or be called back during emergencies. The job involves frequent movement and interruptions, interaction with Villagers and families who may be upset, and potential exposure to injury risks, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Speech Language Pathology Program by ASHA.
• Current, active, unencumbered Colorado Speech Therapy License.
• Must maintain a valid, unrestricted Colorado driver's license.
• Effective time-management skills.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to perform the tasks.
• Knowledge of current Speech Therapy practices and procedures, including laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask, take responsibility and ownership, and follow through.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, work with multiple personalities and stakeholders, and foster teamwork.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, Villagers, and families and provide high customer service.
• Ability to think quickly, develop alternate solutions, ask effective questions, and process information quickly and conceptually.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience and knowledge to provide appropriate care in a post-acute or long-term care environment.
• Current ASHA certification.
• BLS certification, as requested.
• Vital Stim certification, as requested.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled, medically necessary speech and language therapy assessments and develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Provide aural rehabilitation for clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Provide augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for individuals with severe expressive and/or language comprehension disorders.
• Train and educate clients, families, caregivers, and other professionals as a subject matter expert.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other professionals on physician-ordered diagnostic swallowing procedures, including MBSS and FEES.
• Supervise provisional licensees, students, Clinical Fellowship year externs, and support personnel as appropriate and in accordance with state licensure requirements and professional standards.
• Demonstrate competent technical skills according to current Speech Therapy standards of practice.
• Communicate changes in a Villager’s condition.
• Participate in collaborative care conferences and discharge planning.
• Provide accurate and timely billing records and supporting clinical documentation.
• Respond to family requests and concerns in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and provide training with Restorative Nursing and other Villager Care Providers.
• Help ensure that Villager abuse or neglect does not occur.
• Observe confidentiality and safeguard patient information.
• Assist with training and education of facility and professional partners.
• Perform screening rounds as directed by the Director of Rehabilitation to assess client needs and environmental safety.
• Provide recommendations to the Director of Rehabilitation and other team members regarding business improvement opportunities, safety concerns, and other updates.
• Participate in SLP student development and educational programs.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory education, training, and competency programs.
• Help maintain cleanliness and tour readiness of the therapy department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time