Speech Language Pathologist

General Purpose 

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) evaluates, diagnoses, and treats residents with speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. The SLP collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to improve residents’ functional communication, cognitive abilities, and safety related to swallowing, in accordance with physician orders, facility policies, and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

Evaluation & Treatment

·       Conduct comprehensive assessments of residents’ communication, cognitive, and swallowing abilities.

·       Develop individualized treatment plans and measurable therapy goals based on clinical findings.

·       Provide direct therapy for speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders.

·       Implement compensatory strategies and therapeutic interventions to support functional communication and safe swallowing.

Collaboration & Communication

·       Collaborate with nursing, dietary, occupational, and physical therapy teams to support coordinated care.

·       Educate residents, families, and staff on therapy goals, communication strategies, and safety precautions (e.g., dysphagia management).

·       Participate in care plan meetings, interdisciplinary rounds, and discharge planning as needed.

Documentation & Compliance

·       Maintain timely, accurate documentation of evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

·       Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, facility policies, and HIPAA requirements.

·       Assist with therapy record management, billing, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Professional Development

·       Stay current with best practices, research, and advances in the field of speech-language pathology.

·       Participate in in-service training, continuing education, and quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

·       Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.

·       Current state licensure or certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

·       Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or post-acute care settings preferred.

·       Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer documentation requirements.

·       Strong clinical skills in assessment and treatment of speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.

·       Ability to create and implement individualized therapy plans effectively.

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

·       Competence in documenting therapy sessions and maintaining regulatory compliance.

·       Commitment to resident-centered care and improving functional outcomes.

·       Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

·       Facility-based work in a skilled nursing or post-acute care setting.

·       Requires standing, walking, bending, and assisting residents during therapy sessions as needed.

·       Ability to manage multiple residents and prioritize clinical responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

·       Exposure to resident care-related environmental conditions, including infection control protocols.

·       Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at a time.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Direct patient-facing work in resident rooms, therapy gyms, and common areas 

·       Frequent interaction with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff in a collaborative care setting 

·       Occasional exposure to bodily fluids or medical materials while assisting patients 

·       Work may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, or guiding patients during therapy sessions 

·       Environment requires adherence to safety, infection control, and proper use of therapy equipment

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.