SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPIST

Description

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY
The PRN Speech-Language Pathologist provides speech, language, voice, cognitive, and swallowing evaluations and treatment to patients in their homes. Services are provided in accordance with the physician's orders, the individualized plan of care, Medicare Conditions of Participation, agency policies, and applicable state and federal regulations. The Speech-Language Pathologist collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to maximize patient independence, safety, communication abilities, and quality of life. Reports to the Home Health Director. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluations to determine patients' functional abilities and needs.
• Develop, implement, and revise individualized treatment plans based on physician orders and patient goals.
• Evaluate and treat disorders involving:
• Speech
• Language
• Voice
• Cognition
• Swallowing (dysphagia)

• Establish measurable treatment goals and monitor patient progress.
• Educate patients, family members, and caregivers regarding treatment plans, home exercise programs, communication strategies, and swallowing precautions.
• Assess the patient's home environment and recommend modifications or adaptive equipment to improve safety and functional independence.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate patient care.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in case conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as requested.
• Report significant changes in patient condition promptly to the appropriate clinical staff and physician.
• Comply with infection prevention practices, HIPAA requirements, and all agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain current professional licensure and required certifications.
• Complete all required annual education and competency requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of licensure.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Current unrestricted Speech-Language Pathologist license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Current CPR certification.
• Valid driver's license.
• Reliable transportation. 
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• One (1) year of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist preferred.
• Home health experience working with adult and geriatric population preferred. 
• Travel independently to patient homes throughout the service area.
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed during patient care.
• Lift, push, or transfer up to 25 pounds independently and assist with greater weights using proper body mechanics or assistance when appropriate.
• Perform repetitive hand movements required for documentation and patient treatment.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Maintaining visual and auditory acuity necessary to assess patient conditions and provide treatment.
• Must complete 12 hours of continued education, annually.