Position Description

Responsible for assisting patients who have illness, injury or disability that affects their ability to communicate effectively in their environment. Addresses issues related to swallowing disorders. Treatment is focused on increasing intelligibility of speech, using alternative or augmentative devices to facilitate better communication of wants and needs, addressing cognitive functions and improving swallowing safety through oral exercises and diet texture modification.

Principal Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of quality patient care, including evaluation and treatment, treatment planning, goal setting, family education and documentation according to the company guidelines, professional standards and community needs.

• Provides professional treatment while using therapeutic techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with speech, language, hearing, oral motor, swallowing and cognitive disorders.

• Plans activities and provides therapeutic services for speech and language disorders.

• Serves as a patient and rehabilitation advocate for current prospective patients; participates in qualify assurance and customer service activities.

• Perform patient evaluations and develop treatment plan, including short-term and long-term goals, consistent with physician orders and appropriate for the patient’s overall medical condition.

• Carry out patient care plans or portions thereof, determining appropriate progression of patients within real of the established care plan.

• Demonstrates working knowledge and application of Medicare, Medicaid and other reimbursement systems.

• Develop effective treatment plans and obtain approval for services from referring physician.

• Participate in patient care planning and utilization review meetings.

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care appropriate in a SNF setting.

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills with administering standardized speech/language assessments, conduct swallowing evaluations, developing treatment plans and monitoring patient’s progress.

• Perform test and complex treatments individually or with assistance as needed.

• Collaborate with occupational therapist physical therapist, physicians and other members of the healthcare team relative to individual patient treatment programs and progress.

• Document patient evaluations, treatment progress notes, and discharge summaries for the patient’s medical records in a timely manner as defined by the department policy manual.

• Providing a full range of speech therapy modalities consistent with previous education and expedience.

• Assist with the clinical affiliations of speech therapy assistants.

• Perform a clinical assessment to identify patient needs and appropriateness of patient. Analyze patient needs and administer appropriate care as ordered by a physician.

• Document, prepare and complete a Plan of Care, progress notes, phone orders and other clinical record documentation on an ongoing basis.

• Ensures the delivery of quality rehab services.

• Demonstrates courtesy, compassion, and respect to patients, caregivers, customers, physicians, and co-workers.

• Maintain Compliance with Compliance Program and plan, adhere to the Company’s Code of Conduct.

• Work with the facility and organizations on case management needs and requirements.

• Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without notice.