Speech Therapist

Position: Speech Therapist

Location: San Ysidro, CA 92173

Duration: Full-time and Direct Hire

Position Summary:

Design and implement a program of speech therapy for PACE participants to restore or retain function to remain independent in the community. Perform assessments of PACE patients and develop individualized plans of care. Select approaches to use to achieve maximum performance. Supervise the carrying out of the plan of care by support staff. Perform reassessments as indicated. Modify the program based on reevaluations and the patient population.

Essential Functions of the Job:

1. Develop and implement a program of speech therapy for PACE patients to achieve maximum performance and remain independent in the community. Modify the program as needed based on re-evaluations and the patient population.

2. Ensure that required equipment and supplies for the speech therapy program are communicated to the Program Director.

3. Perform assessments of patients to determine abilities and rehabilitation potential.

4. Develop and implement an individualized plan of care to address the speech, language, and/or swallowing difficulties present and increase function to a maximum level.

5. Provide therapies to include augmentative or alternative communication methods, including automated devices and sign language, and teaching how to strengthen muscles or
use compensatory strategies to swallow without choking or inhaling food or liquid.

6. Counsel patients and their families concerning communication disorders and how to cope with the stress and misunderstanding that often accompany them. Work with family members to recognize and change behavior patterns that impede communication and treatment and show them communication-enhancing techniques to use at home.

7. Supervise the carrying out of the individual plan of care by qualified support staff.

8. Perform reassessments as indicated. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and modify goals as necessary.

9. Record and sign treatments in the patient’s health record. Record, sign, and date quarterly progress notes. Review and initial all evaluations and the discharge summary.

10. Ensure services provided are in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and self-esteem to all patients.

11. Develop personnel policies that define speech therapy responsibilities and the duties assigned to the support staff or therapy assistants by the individual treatment plan.

12. Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.

13. Coordinate the preparation of reports and written documentation including medical records, as required by the center, company, state, and federal agencies.

14. Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.

15. Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.

16. Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.

17. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

18. Travelling for meetings, home, and hospital visits as required.

Job Requirements:
 Graduation from an accredited speech-language pathology program with a master’s degree.
 Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and specialization in therapy of conditions associated with disabled and aged patients.
 Current license to practice in the State of California. A passing score on the national examination.
 Current Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider Course training.
 At least one year of field experience.
 Experience working with aged and disabled populations.
 Knowledge of principles and methods for treatment of communication and neurological disorders and associated speech, language, and swallowing impairments. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs.
 Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.

-May involve prolonged sitting or standing beside patients.
-Requires attention to detail and intense concentration.
-Mentally challenging due to the emotional needs of patients.
-Families and caregivers may be demanding.
-Must possess a commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promote maximum patient independence and functional ability.

Universal Requirements
Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background, and reference check
results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs

HIPAA/Compliance
1. Maintain privacy of all patient, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need-to-know basis for business purposes.

2. Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Report unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful behavior or activity.

OSHA Compliance
1. Comply with all regulations and required schedules regarding OSHA training.

PPD Compliance
1. Required health screening to be performed annually.

Policies and Procedures Compliance
1. Responsible for following all SYHC Inc. policies and procedures.

Meal period Compliance (Non exempt employees only.)
1. Punch out before 5 hours from the start of shift for meal periods.

Sexual Harassment Training (Management employees only.)
1. Comply with all regulations and required schedules regarding sexual harassment training.