Speech Language Pathologist Senior Living

This work takes place in an Assisted Living, Independant Living, or Memory Care Setting. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Optimize communication, cognitive-linguistic abilities, and swallowing skills of patients by providing, directing, and/or overseeing speech therapy in the following:

1. screening of residents, as appropriate;
2. evaluate and treat patients who may benefit from therapy as referred by state approved referral source;
3. comply with state and federal guidelines regarding accurate and timely billing and documentation in the medical record;
4. Establish and maintain effective interactions with patients, interdisciplinary team, and other clientele which reflects patient-centered care.

• Directly supervise Rehab techs in tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes efficient and effective utilization of resources and facilitates the ongoing development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts, Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA), and Reliant Rehabilitation policy.
• Build a strong Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) therapy program by participating in the following activities:
1. actively integrating SLP therapy’s role into community and interdisciplinary treatment team;
2. contributing to community patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff/department head, and family conference activities and communications;
3. establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with other health care professionals and colleagues in the community;
4. making appropriate referrals to other members of the rehabilitation team,
5. developing and implementing new programs/techniques to enhance rehabilitation services;
6. adhering to Reliant Rehabilitation and client specific policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control, and emergency preparedness; and
7. adhering to the requirements of the patient’s rights and privacy.
• Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities. 
• Maintain valid state license (where appropriate).  Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of speech-language pathology therapy and the health care environment.
• Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery.  Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
• Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a community.
• This position requires patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift.  Must be capable of lifting thirty (30) pounds of dead weight alone.
• Maintain confidentiality of Reliant Rehabilitation, community, and patient information. 
• Must conduct self in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner at all times.
• Must adhere to the policies, principles, and guidance within the Team Member Handbook and Code of Business Conduct.
• Must be able to travel between facilities during scheduled hours.
• Must be able to work varying hours and shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Attends all mandatory meetings, trainings, and assignments as delegated.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Competency:

Prior to beginning patient care for Reliant Rehabilitation, a peer SLP may complete a Competency Checklist.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Effective clinical problem-solving skills to include but not limited to: identify and prioritize issues in a responsive manner, develop sound and innovative action plans, execute action plans on a timely basis, and ensure appropriate results
• Be a strong team player
• Strong verbal & written communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with a diverse population
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, productive work environment

Education/Experience:

• Master’s Degree, or equivalent, in Speech Language Pathology.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
• Basic Internet navigation skills

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid Speech-Language Pathologist state license (where appropriate)