Job Summary:

Provides, with minimal supervision, high quality speech-language pathology services for patients, caregivers and facilities in accordance with the principles and practices of speech-language pathology and with Lagniappe Rehabilitation guidelines. Provides quality speech-language pathology including: Evaluation of patients, development of initial and ongoing treatment and discharge plan, supervision of assistants and aides and participates in case management. Represents Lagniappe Rehabilitation’ commitment to quality and service in all interactions with facility. Adheres to all state regulations regarding speech-language pathology.

Essential Functions:

• Optimize communication and swallowing skills of patients in facilities by performing the following activities: assessing and treating all patients who might benefit from therapy as referred by state approved referral source; adhere to Minimum Data Set (MDS) procedures and effective care planning; thoroughly documenting progress toward identified objectives; and communicating patient status and needs to the patient, family and other involved professionals.

• May provide assistance and consultation to Rehab Aides in skilled 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 Lagniappe Rehabilitation policy.
• Build a strong rehabilitation practice within each facility by performing the following activities: establishing and maintaining courteous and helpful interaction patterns with staff, patients, and families which reflect sensitivity to individual needs and a problem solving approach; actively integrating therapy’s role into facility and interdisciplinary treatment team; contributing to facility patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff/department head, and family conference activities/communications; establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with other healthcare professionals and colleagues in the community; making appropriate referrals to other members of the rehabilitation team, developing and implementing new programs/techniques to enhance rehabilitation services; adhering to established facility policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control and emergency situations; and adhering to the requirements of the patient’s Bill of Rights.
• Enhancing clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities; maintaining valid state license (where appropriate); obtain membership and participate in professional organizations; maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of speech-language pathology and the health care environment.
• Understand managed care/Prospective Payment System (PPS) billing and treatment guidelines. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
• Compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility.
• Maintain confidentiality of Lagniappe Rehabilitation, facility and patient information.

Required Credentials:

• Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Current American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology or current eligibility for certification process by following ASHA and Lagniappe Rehabilitation guidelines for Clinical Fellowship Year experience.
• Valid state license (where appropriate).
• Valid driver’s license.

Abilities:

• Travel between facilities during scheduled hours.
• Work varying hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Rehabilitation Director.
• Attendance at all Lagniappe Rehabilitation staff meetings is mandatory.
• Patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting (50) pounds of dead weight alone.
• To walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a work day/shift.
• Visual, auditory and speaking skills sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, communicate and monitor patient needs, and to maintain accurate records, recognize people and provide and understand written, verbal and gestural communications.
• Fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing and keystroking for charting, scheduling, daily correspondence, and reports.
• Fine motor skills for handling of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
• Sustain activity for multiple consecutive hours in accordance with state labor laws.