Speech Therapist

Leads, guides and directs the delivery of speech language pathology and audiology services in the facility in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, standards and established facility policies and procedures to provide appropriate care and services to residents.

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• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the delivery of speech language pathology and audiology services as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations; and respective practice act(s) in the state.
• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs the execution of speech language pathology and audiology services in accordance with physician’s orders and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in accordance with guidelines issued by the governing body and its respective affiliate state chapter.
• Coordinates the achievement and reporting of the facility’s key performance speech language pathology and audiology indicators. Establishes an ongoing system to monitor these key indicators.
• Evaluates and reports key performance indicator outcomes of the speech language pathology and audiology department to the rehabilitation director to determine the need for action such as re-education or revisions related to the facility’s outcomes, regulatory compliance, practice act(s) and/or customer satisfaction.
• Develops and implements processes and systems to effectively lead, guide and direct the delivery of speech language pathology and audiology services including but not limited to processes for the timely screening, evaluation, treatment, discharge and all associated documentation requirements for residents in the facility.
• Complies with facility policies and procedures for appropriately documenting, billing and coding for residents receiving speech language pathology and audiology services.
• Provides resident information needed for the resident assessment instrument according to facility policy such as signs and symptoms of swallowing disorders, speech and hearing patterns, cognitive patterns, Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS), speech language pathology and audiology minutes and distinct calendar days, etc. during the defined observation period(s).
• Provides resident information needed for prior functioning in functional cognition as required by facility policy (RAI User’s Manual) for Medicare Part A, Medicare Advantage residents upon admission.
• Ensures speech language pathology and audiology equipment is stored, used and sanitized, disinfected and/or cleaned properly and safely in the facility.
• Participates in daily, weekly, and/or monthly rehabilitative and interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss residents’ therapy progression in relation to discharge planning for residents receiving speech language pathology and audiology services as designated by the Rehabilitation Director.
• Adheres to the state practice guidelines in his/her discipline as defined by the state of Tennessee. Maintains appropriate conduct and follows practice guidelines as defined by the professional association.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with residents, employees, and family members through scheduled, deliberate positive interactions with them using face to face, phone, or other means of communication.
• Maintains accountability in concert with applicable standards of practice, by-laws, and code of conduct for his/her therapy discipline.
• Facilitates, serves, attends or participates in various committees of the facility as necessary.
• Knows and understands the purpose and requirements for the scope of work and supervision requirements as defined by the speech language pathology and audiology practice act in each state.
• Ensures delivery of compassionate quality care and services across the speech language pathology and audiology spectrum as evidenced by adequate, and competent speech language pathology and audiology staff, general cleanliness of treatment areas/offices, and optimal resident functioning and satisfaction with speech language pathology and audiology services provided.
• Identifies and collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to identify opportunities for enhanced services to the residents and/or resolve issues.
• Knows speech language pathology and audiology employees and employees across all departments by name in order to effectively communicate and meet resident needs as well as any miscellaneous related needs.
• Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication. Promotes positivity and active daily problem solving.
• Makes written and oral reports/recommendations to the rehabilitation director concerning speech language pathology and audiology.
• Follows facility policy related to readiness for health inspection surveys, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) surveys, and any other regulatory entity or requirement.
• Reads and stays informed regarding regulatory, scope of work and supervision requirements as defined by the speech language pathology and audiology practice act, business practices and other changes influencing speech language pathology and audiology outcomes.
• Promotes safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention procedures to prevent resident/employee injury and illness.

Specific Requirements

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  A valid, unrestricted license in his/her therapy discipline in the state.
• Meet educational requirements of his/her licensure requirements.
• Valid driver’s license in the state of employment.
• Experience within a skilled nursing home facility preferred.
• Knowledgeable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.