A. BASIC PURPOSE

The Speech-Language Pathologist/Therapist is a clinically competent individual who delivers care to patients in their place of residence in accordance with the patient’s individualized plan of care through the process of data collection, planning, implementation and evaluation. The Speech-Language Pathologist/Therapist works effectively and interacts with the patients, caregivers, and other members of the team while maintaining quality care in accordance with accepted standards of practice.

B. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts appropriate evaluative procedures, assesses patient’s home environment as appropriate, and identifies patient’s equipment needs relative to speech/language function.
2. Identifies functional speech defects; establishes goals to improve patient’s speech function and participates in the development of the team care plan.
3. Administers speech therapy program utilizing specialized therapeutic techniques and and/or equipment in accordance with the plan of care.
4. Recommends communication devices/aids as indicated.
5. Confers with the attending physician, home health team members and patient and/or family/caregivers to promote coordinated and comprehensive care.
6. Participates in meetings, inservices and other related activities as needed.
7. Prepares and submits clinical and progress notes in a timely manner and in accordance with agency policy, state and federal guidelines and regulations.
8. Maintains clinical competency in speech-language pathology practice and theory.
9. Instructs patient and/or family/caregiver and other team members in the patient’s treatment regimen as indicated.
10. Performs other duties as required to facilitate the delivery of speech-language pathology services and swallowing assistive services.
11. Participates as a member of the Professional Advisory Committee and reports all appropriate and relevant information relative to the provision of clinical services.
12. Completes a minimum of 12 hours of inservices per year.
13. Participates in meetings and other related activities as needed.
14. Meets or exceeds delivery of service standards in a consistent fashion.
a. Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare regulations and established agency policies and procedures.
15. Interacts with all staff in a positive manner, supporting the agency’s mission.
16. Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner and adheres to the agency’s Code of Conduct.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

C. HUMAN RELATIONS

1. Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisor, co-workers and all others.
2. Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other home health care team members and reflect concern for the well-being of patients and others.

D. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (See Attached Physical Requirements Form)

1. This position requires the therapist to work in a variety of environments (housing styles, cleaning and maintenance, heating and cooling) during visits to patients in their place of residence.
2. Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
3. The therapist must have ability sufficient to ambulate throughout a patient's home, navigating stairs and other physical barriers typical to private residences.
4. The therapist must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel to and visit in patient’s homes in varying weather and road conditions.
5. Must be able to deal effectively with stress.

E. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Education Must possess a master’s degree from an accredited program in Speech- Language Pathology.
2. Experience
a. One year of supervised professional experience in providing Speech-Language Pathology services.
b. Meets the education and experience requirements for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
3. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification
a. Must possess current license as a Speech-Language Pathologist from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or made application for same.
b. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that is insured in accordance with Pennsylvania requirements.
c. Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.
d. Satisfactory criminal background check

I have read and understand the Speech-Language Pathologist job description. It has been reviewed and discussed with me and I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding same.