The Speech Therapist in Home Health is responsible for the assessment and evaluation of patient care needs related to treating speech and language disorders, and functional training in communication, swallowing, and cognitive impairments. Based on this assessment and evaluation, the Speech Therapist works to help determine a treatment plan, performs interventions aimed at improving and enhancing the patient's well-being, and evaluates the patient's progress.

• Provides services within the scope of practice as defined by the state laws governing the practice of speech therapy, in accordance with the plan of care, and in coordination with other members of the health care team.
• Evaluates the patient's level of function,, status of all body systems as required for CMS documentation, and speech therapy needs using standardized and/or criterion referenced tools. Consults with the physician in the development of the therapy plan of care.
• Treats patients' speech production, fluency, language, cognition, voice, resonance, swallowing, and auditory habilitation/rehabilitation using evidence based standards of practice.
• Observes, records, and reports to the nurse supervisor and/or physician the patient's response to treatment and changes in the patient's condition.
• Instructs the patient, the family and/or caregiver and other members of the health care team in areas of therapy within the scope of speech-language pathology.
• Visits patients within the entire service area of their respective agency and other nearby LHC agencies as needed.
• According to plan of treatment, completes a progress note for each visit, and submits progress notes per LHC policy.
• Completes all patient evaluations and develops the ST plan of care within state specific guidelines. Reports outcomes of evaluation, goals, and anticipated projected frequency of care to nurse supervisor within 24 hours of the evaluation.
• Participates in staff conferences and committees as requested by the agency. .
• Provides in-service education as requested by agency leadership. Prepares a written discharge summary and/or a written summary report on patient's condition at least every 60 days.
• Adheres to LHC Therapy Standards of Practice in provision of services to all patients.
• Is responsible for accessing education to maintain and enhance clinical knowledge and skills that are up to date with the current standards of care for the profession and to maintain state issued licensure.
• Participates in a weekend rotation to provide services for their respective agency and other nearby LHC agencies as needed.

License Requirements

• Must be currently licensed in Speech Therapy in the state of practice
• Current CPR certification
• Must have a current driver's license and vehicle insurance, and access to a dependable vehicle or public transportation