Job Description

A Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) administers speech therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Director of Nursing. Speech therapy services are furnished only by or under the supervision of a qualified speech pathologist or audiologist.

In accordance with physician orders and plan of care the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) carries out therapy services designed to restore speech andlor audio functions, diminish or correct pathology, promote and maintain health, and facilitate learning of those skill necessary to productive living of assigned patients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position of Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) shall be a criteria-based position with well defined responsibility. Position responsibility shall be defined by, but not limited to the following:

• Understands and adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Provides physician prescribed physical therapy.
• Improves or minimizes residual physical disabilities of the patient.
• Provides full range Speech Language Pathology Services as ordered by physician.
• Directs and supervises personnel as required. Takes initial history and makes initial evaluation.
• Performs all skilled procedures as ordered by physician.
• Consults with physicians regarding change in treatment.
• Writes reports to physicians regarding patient's progress.
• Instructs patients and family/significant others in home programs and activities of daily living.
• Participates in inservice programs and presents inservice programs as assigned.
• An initial evaluation, including plan of treatment and goals, must be completed and submitted to the physician for approval. A recertification by physician every 60 days is necessary if further treatment is to be continued. A progress note is written each visit. A reevaluation is written when expected duration of treatment is reached. A summary is written upon patient's discharge.
• Assists physician with evaluating level of function.
• Helps develop the plan of care and revise as necessary.
• Prepares clinical and progress notes.
• Advises and consults with the family and other Agency personnel.
• Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
• Participates in performance improvement activities as assigned.
• Attends all patient care conferences as scheduled.
• Participates in utilization reviews, medical record audit as assigned, patient case conferences to discuss the need for involvement of other members of the health team.
• Consults with family and Agency personnel.
• Completes and submits assessments, reassessments, discharges and significant change in condition in accordance with Agency defined time frames.
• Appropriately utilizes ICD-9 codes.
• Promotes and maintains an agency environment that is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Participates in personal professional growth and development Gives accurate information to patient's family and home health care staff members regarding cost for home health care services.
• Uses equipment and supplies effectively and efficiently.
• Reports to work on time every day on a regular and consistent basis.
• Performs any and all tasks as instructed by the supervisor.
• Works any and all overtime when requested.
• Reports back to work promptly after lunch breaks and/or rest breaks.
• Performs work to the best of abilities, devoting full effort and attention to the task(s) at hand.
• Displays an attitude of cooperative compliance in all dealings with fellow members of the organization.
• Is alert for opportunities to improve quality, efficiency or productivity and to bring such ideas to the organization's attention.
• Ask questions when in doubt as to the appropriateness of any particular course of action.
• Follows agency Standards of Conduct and Ethical Expectations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• There will be heavy client and family member contact requiring strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal.
• Strong interface with members of the medical community, home health and HMO/PPO providers
• Demonstrates supervisory abilities, god verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Acceptance of philosophy and goals of this Agency.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• OUTSIDE RELATIONSHIPS: Heavy outside interface with physicians, third party payers.
• Must able to meet the physical demands, which includes standing, walking, bending, lifting, and transporting.
• Must be able to utilize good judgment, demonstrate patience, and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Must be able to work in a busy and stressful environment.

Education & Experience

• Two (2) years experience as a certified Speech Language Pathology in Home/Community Service is preferred.
• Graduate from a Speech Pathology or Audiology.
• A person who meets the educational requirements for certification and is in the process of accumulating the supervised experience required for certification.
• Licensed to practice Licensed Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist in the State of Texas and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language and hearing Association (ASLHA).