Field Speech Therapist

Speech Therapist (ST) Reports To Clinical Supervisor/Director of Patient Care Services (DPCS) Position Summary The Speech Therapist (ST) is a licensed professional responsible for providing speech-language pathology services to adult and geriatric patients in their homes. The Speech Therapist evaluates, develops, and implements individualized treatment plans to improve communication, cognitive-linguistic abilities, swallowing function, and overall safety and independence. The Speech Therapist works collaboratively with physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation professionals, caregivers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Patient Assessment and Evaluation Perform comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluations in accordance with physician orders and agency policies. Assess communication disorders, speech impairments, language deficits, cognitive-linguistic impairments, voice disorders, and swallowing dysfunction. Evaluate patients for safety risks associated with dysphagia and communication deficits. Identify functional limitations affecting independence, quality of life, and ability to safely remain in the home environment. Establish measurable treatment goals based on assessment findings and physician-directed plans of care. Treatment Planning and Intervention Develop individualized treatment plans designed to improve speech, language, cognition, communication, voice, and swallowing function. Implement therapeutic interventions appropriate to the patient's diagnosis and functional goals. Provide swallowing therapy and recommend safe feeding techniques and compensatory strategies when indicated. Instruct patients and caregivers regarding communication techniques, swallowing precautions, home exercise programs, and adaptive strategies. Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as clinically indicated. Recommend assistive communication devices and adaptive equipment when appropriate. Care Coordination Collaborate with physicians, registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, and other healthcare professionals. Communicate patient status, treatment progress, and recommendations to the interdisciplinary team. Participate in care conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as required. Coordinate discharge planning and transition of care activities. Documentation Complete all clinical documentation accurately, timely, and in accordance with agency policies, Medicare regulations, and state requirements. Document evaluations, treatment visits, reassessments, progress notes, discharge summaries, and physician communications. Maintain accurate records reflecting patient response to treatment and progress toward goals. Submit required documentation within established agency timeframes. Patient and Caregiver Education Educate patients and caregivers regarding diagnoses, treatment goals, swallowing precautions, communication strategies, and disease management techniques. Provide instruction to maximize patient safety, independence, and quality of life. Reinforce physician orders and interdisciplinary treatment recommendations. Quality and Compliance Adhere to all federal, state, local, and agency regulations governing home health services. Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA requirements. Participate in quality improvement, infection prevention, and agency performance improvement activities. Follow all agency policies regarding patient safety, emergency preparedness, and infection control. Qualifications Education Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited educational institution. Licensure and Certification Current and unrestricted California Speech-Language Pathology License. Current Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) preferred. Current CPR/BLS certification. Valid California driver's license and proof of current automobile insurance. Experience Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist preferred. Home health experience preferred. Experience working with adult and geriatric populations preferred. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders commonly affecting adult and geriatric patients. Knowledge of Medicare home health regulations and documentation requirements. Strong assessment, clinical reasoning, and treatment planning skills. Ability to educate patients, families, and caregivers effectively. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule. Ability to maintain professional relationships with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members. Physical Requirements Ability to travel to patient residences throughout the agency service area. Ability to stand, sit, bend, reach, kneel, and perform patient-related activities. Ability to lift, transfer, or move equipment as necessary. Visual and auditory ability sufficient to assess patient needs and provide treatment. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Working Conditions Services are provided primarily in patient homes and community residential settings. Exposure to varying environmental conditions and household situations. Potential exposure to infectious diseases and communicable illnesses. Frequent travel required throughout assigned geographic territory. Performance Standards The Speech Therapist is expected to: Provide high-quality, patient-centered care. Maintain compliance with all regulatory and agency requirements. Complete documentation accurately and within required timeframes. Demonstrate professional conduct and ethical practice. Promote patient safety, independence, and achievement of treatment goals. Contribute positively to interdisciplinary team collaboration and agency quality outcomes. Equal Employment Opportunity The Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Pay:

$120.00 - $150.00 per hour

Work Location:

On the road