Job Title: SPEECH LANG PATHOLOGIST-HHLTH
Department: Home Health
Position Reports To: Clinical Manager, Home Health
Position Summary:
The SLP is an important member of the Home Care rehabilitation team, with expertise in treating individuals who have a variety of speech related disorders or swallowing difficulties. The role assesses, plans, provides and directs patient care to treat and prevent speech and swallowing related disorders in accordance with Home Health patient care standards, regulations and physician orders. The SLP acts as a liaison between physician, patients and family, and collaborates with the Home Health Care team. The SLP must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to age groups according to chronological age, developmental age, and/or psycho-social maturity.
Minimum Qualifications: Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Graduate of an Accredited Speech Language Pathology program.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Evaluate swallowing and determine if further testing is needed to rule out swallowing disorder.
2. Initiate dysphagia and speech program.
3. Recommend appropriate liquid and food consistencies.
4. Collaborate with dietitian as needed for optimal nutrition.
5. Perform and teach methods/exercises to stimulate or strengthen oral-motor function.
6. Teach exercises for lip, tongue and facial control for maximum swallowing skills.
7. Instruct in safe swallowing techniques/airway protection.
8. Teach exercises for maximum strength in articulation proficiency for verbal/vocal expression.
9. Teach alternative effective communication methods.
10. Teach word fluency exercises for verbal skills for both expressive and receptive dysphagia.
11. Assess and establish program for memory and other cognitive functions as needed. Coordinate with OT as needed.
12. Educate patient and caregivers on each home program for all instructions provided.
13. Other interventions as indicated.
