Speech Language Pathologist

Responsibilities

The Speech Language Pathologist provides clinical speech therapy evaluation and treatment for program participants on an acute, restorative and/or maintenance level per InnovAge policies and other regulatory guidelines. 

• Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.
• Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
• Completes initial history and evaluation visit, notifies physician of patient needs and submits plan of care and orders for physician approval.
• Performs all skilled Speech Language Pathology services as ordered by physician.
• Consults with physicians regarding change in treatment.
• Writes reports to physicians regarding patient's progress.
• Attends all staff meetings and patient care conferences as scheduled.
• Completes a discharge summary upon completion of therapy services.
• Instruction to patient/family in home program with documentation in medical record notes.
• Observes confidentiality and safeguards all patient related information.
• Prepares and submits patient evaluations, clinical and progress notes in a timely manner as outlined in Agency policy.
• Immediately reports to Director of Clinical Services/ Supervisor any patient incidents/ variances or complaints.
• Participates in peer review and QM activities as requested.
• Participates in utilization review of medical records as assigned.
• Adheres to Agency standards and consistently interprets and accurately performs all assigned responsibilities.
• Reports all incomplete work assignments to Director of Clinical Services/Nursing Supervisor/Therapy Supervisor.
• Perform therapy services to clients in their place of residence
• Collaborates with nursing home and assisted living staff regarding the speech therapy needs of participants who are their residents.
• Develops speech maintenance programs for participants to be carried out by Rehab Aide.
• Administers treatment program per referral from assessments from the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Acts as a primary consultant for communication devices, and clinical evaluation of swallowing and diet issues in addition to collaborating with dietary and day center staff on participant swallowing issues and appropriate diet textures.
• Conducts and participates in clinic educational programs.
• Performs department record-keeping of speech therapy services provided and evaluates charts and reports on participant’s progress utilizing InnovAge PACE documentation requirements.
• Collects data, prepares reports and maintains necessary participant statistics.
• Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control programs and recommends policies and procedures as it pertains to speech therapy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED

• Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from an accredited college/university
• Clinical Certification of Competency in Speech Pathology (CCC)
  
• 1+ year working with the frail or elderly (personal or volunteer experience applicable)
• 2+ years health care experience in nursing home and/or the home health industry
• Knowledge of the scopes or practices of Speech/Language Pathology as it relates to geriatrics.