Purpose & Overall Duties:
- Specializes in diagnosis and treatment of speech and language problems, and engages in scientific study of human communication, and swallowing difficulty.
- Provides counseling and guidance and language development therapy to
handicapped individuals.
A. Patient Care
Medical Chart Review:
- Reviews individual file to obtain background information, prior to evaluation and throughout treatment, as necessary to determine appropriate tests and to ensure that adequate information is available to appropriately and safely treat patients in the Long Term Care setting.
- Consults with other members of the medical team to consistently address and carry through needs and determine capabilities of each patient.
Evaluation:
- Administers, scores, and interprets specialized hearing, swallowing, and speech tests.
- Diagnoses and evaluates speech and language and skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors.
- Evaluates and monitors individuals, using audio-visual equipment, such as tape recorders and demonstrative materials as needed and appropriate.
Treatment:
- Develops and implements individualized plans for assigned clients to meet individual needs, interests, and abilities.
- Reviews treatment plan, and assesses individual performance to modify, change, or write new programs.
- Plans, directs, or conducts habilitative and rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency of individuals with communication and swallowing problems of organic and non-organic etiology.
- Treats varying levels of memory and cognitive deficits and implements visual cues/ aids as needed in pt’s environment.
- Instructs individuals to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice new skills.
- May teach manual sign language to patients incapable of speaking.
B. Documentation/ Logistics/ Patient Satisfaction
- Completes all Medicare and company required documentation per guidelines and in a timely manner.
- Maintains records as required by law, establishment’s policy, and administrative regulations.
- Is competent in use of a computer program for clinical documentation.
- Assist with any denial procedures as needed.
- Responsible for achieving patient satisfaction, reporting and maintaining
appropriate quality indicator measures for the department/facility and complying with productivity standards set by Progressive Rehab Solutions.
C. Collaboration with Team Members
- May instruct staff in use of special equipment designed to serve handicapped.
- May act as a consultant to educational, medical, and other professional groups
D. Personal Development
- Must comply with Medicare guidelines and state requirements for licensure.
- Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth and fulfill requirements set forth by state regulations.
- May conduct research to develop diagnostic and remedial techniques.
- Personal development in assuring evidence based practice in the LTC setting.
General Skills Required:
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships- Developing
constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. - Training and Teaching Others –Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems – Analyzing information and
evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. - Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates – Providing
information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, email, or in person effectively. - Time management- Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
- Social Perceptiveness- Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Active Listening- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Performing General Physical Activities- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Minimum Experience, Education, and Licensure:
- Minimum of Bachelor Degree in Speech Therapy (if hold license in State of
Louisiana) - Masters’ Degree with CCC
- 1 Year Preferred Experience
- Must hold current state license
Physical Demands:
- Lifting from ground level, waist level, and/or overhead;
- Standing, sitting, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling,
crouching/squatting and driving. - Must be able to lift at least 100 lbs; Using proper body mechanics
Work Environment:
- Location: Facility; LTC Facility Following Universal Precautions; Indoors;
Outdoors if necessary - Climatic/Environmental Conditions:. Could face various weather conditions traveling to and from job sites