Speech Therapist

Clinical Skills

• Demonstrates understanding of relevant neurological and orthopedic conditions and disease management strategies.
• Consults with the resident, caregivers, and family to obtain information about health, associated history, previous interventions, and associated outcomes.
• Screens residents and assesses speech therapy needs according to designated time frames per policy and procedure.
• Selects qualitative and quantitative methods and measures based on evidence-based practice and safely performs assessment.
• Analyzes assessment findings.
• Recommends a treatment plan with interventions strategies aimed at maximizing independence and safety determined by resident goals.
• Implements interventions as recommended.
• Routinely re-evaluates progress and adjusts interventions as needed.
• Discharges resident from services when goals or projected outcomes have been attained.
• Ensures continuation of therapeutic care plan following discharge from skilled therapy by designing home exercise programs or appropriate restorative programs.
• Participates in care plan meetings to provide resident/family/IDT with updates and answer questions about status and goals.
• Responsible for ensuring safe use of rehab equipment including following manufacturer’s instructions, trouble-shooting malfunctions, and calling for repairs.
• Anticipates, recognizes, and prevents hazards in the physical environment.
• Promotes resident safety in the selection, application of assessment, intervention, and evaluation measures.
• Participates in quality improvement and resident safety initiatives.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned by rehab director.

Documentation Skills

• Completes documentation elements that adhere to rules for professional practice act, and guidelines for regulatory and reimbursement agencies.
• Demonstrates competency in navigation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) including all components related to order entry, documentation of evaluation, progress notes, screens, and plan of care updates.
• Completes resident billing in EMR daily.
• Coordinates with other disciplines and CCRC department for all PPS and OBRA assessments.
• Reviews ABN with resident or responsible party when applicable prior to the discharge of therapy.
• Documents on the residents POC to reflect all current interventions.
• Maintains active listing of residents who use alternative means of communication on shared drive.
• Routinely updates “Meal Supervision” forms with any changes to modified diets or levels of supervision.

Communication/Customer Service

• Employs effective and appropriate verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communications.
• Communicates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure quality care is being provided to the residents and that resident goals are being achieved.
• Communicates with physicians to establish treatment plans and to maintain knowledge of resident’s medical status.
• Communicates with nursing and other members of IDT to ensure that recommended plan of care related to ST goals are being properly delivered.
• Communicate all resident swallowing/modified diet related issues and concerns to the IDT in a timely manner through established procedures (e.g. diet postings, in-services, etc).
• Relays operational or resident care problems to supervisor or appropriate personnel.
• Actively participates in meetings including care plan and stand-up as assigned.
• E-mails Rehab director and CCRC within 24 hours of caseload changes.
• Responds to Outlook emails timely within 24 hours of receipt.

Education Responsibilities

• Provides education to residents and families regarding preventative care, compensations, and use of adaptive equipment.
• Provides in-services as needed on Dysphagia, speech – language deficits, augmentative communication, and cognitive linguistic deficits for all employees.
• Post and updates swallowing guidelines/diet cards within 24-48 hours of change.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational seminars, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Orients and develops speech therapy and rehab staff by providing information, developing and conducting in-service training programs.
• Engages in professional development and learning opportunities.
• Incorporates evidence based practice into treatment decisions and planning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of trends in professional practice, ASHA practice policies and guidelines, and reimbursement procedures
• Demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice.

ROLE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Clinician

• Selects and administers appropriate screening and evaluation procedures (observations, standardized, non-standardized, and instrumental procedures and adapts procedures to meet resident needs.
• Designs and implements appropriate treatment plans with measurable and achievable goals and collaborate with resident/family/IDT in planning process.
• Demonstrates current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention and implement in clinical practice including:
  • Swallowing (oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, and related functions, including oral function for feeding, orofacial myology)
  • Articulation
  • Voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation
  • Receptive and expressive language
  • Hearing, including the impact on speech and language
  • Cognitive aspects of communication
  • Social aspects of communication
  • Augmentative and alternative communication modalities
• Performs all required tasks for acquisition of EDME funded equipment. Performs assessment and trials in preparation for AAC devices.  Assesses resident’s communication needs for participation in daily routine and desired activities of choice.  Demonstrates proficiency in writing a Letter of Medical Necessity.
• Actively participates in program development and facility related initiatives.

Supervisor:

• Manages and supervises personnel involved in the delivery of ST services including Clinical Fellows, Rehab and Restorative Aides. 
• Assesses, orients, and provides on-going feedback and continuing education to personnel involved in the delivery of ST services.
• Assigns tasks and monitors personnel to ensure all activities occurring are within regulatory guidelines.

Educator:

• Provide education and counseling regarding communication and swallowing disorders to residents, family, caregivers.
• Provides education to residents regarding preventative care, compensation techniques and use of adaptive equipment.
• Participates in the development and ongoing provision of competency training for rehab and RNP staff.
• Mentors speech therapy students during their clinical rotations.

PERSON CENTERED CARE

• Champion for culture change and supportive leadership.
• Demonstrates a real sense of inquiry and a personal willingness to learn.
• Demonstrates the ability to take responsible actions within the parameters of the role without a constant need to be directed by others.
• Demonstrates politeness and respectfulness and evidences the self-awareness of the effect of her/his behavior on others.
• Demonstrates mutual respect for diversity.

PEOPLE & TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Demonstrates Inglis people and leadership values and behaviors
• Demonstrates the ability to follow-up on schedules, set priorities and achieve deadlines
• Demonstrates the Inglis Code of Conduct and builds trusted partnerships throughout the Inglis organization.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships by gaining trust and respect.
• Is approachable and easy to talk with; puts forth an extra effort to make people at ease; is patience and builds rapport with customers and is a good listener.
• A team player and has the trust and support of peers.

• Promotes collaboration within the department

• Collaborates with others to prevent, manage, and resolve conflict.

• Provides interventions both on an individual and group basis as required.

TECHNOLOGY:                

• Actively engages in the use of computer systems and technology to enhance the day-to-day flow of information
• Encourages and supports staff on the appropriate use of computer systems and technology
• Understands common computer terminology, computer fundamentals such as screen positioning
• Understands and efficiently uses basic computer hardware such as a mouse, and telecommunication devices
• Understands the use of the internet/intranet applications and file management including file saving, storage and basic data controls
• Responds to emails and calendar requests in a timely manner using Outlook
• Understands IT security, i.e. no sharing of passwords, processes, best practices including email encryption and enlisting help of IT help desk as needed.
• Possesses general knowledge of how to interface with a computer, i.e. use of mouse, resizing windows, etc.