Speech Therapist

PACS•Centennial, CO

About The Position

The Staff Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and other health team members, and maintains documentation of services in medical records. The role also conducts ongoing in-services and training for facility staff. The position evaluates residents’ speech therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential, then develops and updates individualized treatment plans. It provides resident and caregiver education, supports interdisciplinary care and discharge planning, contributes to quality improvement and rehabilitation program development, and maintains a safe treatment environment. The position may supervise Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellows and students in resident care and related activities, consistent with the state practice act. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology; graduates of a master’s or doctorate program are preferred. The employee must be licensed as a Speech Therapist in the state and maintain continuing education requirements and a license in good standing. CPR certification is required if required by licensure. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise level. The physical demands include frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and various other movements, and handling residents or equipment, with exertion that may exceed 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, or 20 pounds constantly.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Licensed as a Speech Therapist in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements under state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
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 concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and other movements, and assisting, supporting, and transporting residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.
Effective talking and hearing, and ability to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental cues.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a master’s or doctorate program in Speech-Language Pathology.
Additional certification as appropriate per 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 mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Supervise Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellows or students in resident care and resident-related activities, following the state practice act.
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.
Provide in-services and training programs for other facility staff as needed.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and aspiration prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering necessary durable medical equipment to support resident independence in swallows and cognition.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.