Speech Therapist

$60 - $85 an hr **** A Speech Language Pathologist plays a critical role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. In this role, the Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing difficulties in patients of all ages. Based on these evaluations, the therapist develops individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals. A critical component of this role is the assessment and management of dysphagia using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework to ensure safe and appropriate diet modifications for residents. The Speech Language Pathologist provides direct therapy services, helping patients improve communication abilities and managing conditions such as articulation disorders, language delays, aphasia, and dysphagia. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team is essential to ensure coordinated and effective patient care. The therapist also educates patients, families, and caregivers on strategies to support treatment progress outside of clinical sessions. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Speech Language Pathologist maintains accurate and timely documentation, participates in case discussions, and stays current with continuing education and best practices in the field. Administrative duties may include scheduling, reporting, and ensuring compliance with healthcare policies and regulations. This role is ideal for a qualified professional with a compassionate approach and a genuine passion for improving the lives of others through communication and swallowing support.*** *** Responsibilities - Assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. - Responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing difficulties in patients of all ages. - Develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals. - Assess and manage dysphagia using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework to ensure safe and appropriate diet modifications for residents. - Provide direct therapy services, help patients improve communication abilities and managing conditions such as articulation disorders, language delays, aphasia, and dysphagia. - Collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team is essential to ensure coordinated and effective patient care. - Educate patients, families, and caregivers on strategies to support treatment progress outside of clinical sessions. - Maintain accurate and timely documentation, participate in case discussions, and stay current with continuing education and best practices in the field. - Schedule, report, and ensure compliance with healthcare policies and regulations. - Provide a compassionate approach and a genuine passion for improving the lives of others through communication and swallowing support. Qualifications and Skills - Current California license in Speech-Language Pathology. - Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program. - Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), preferred. - Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA preferred. - Experience in skilled nursing or geriatric care setting preferred. - Working knowledge of IDDSI framework and experience in dysphagia management required. - Knowledge of various speech therapy techniques and tools. - Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. - Excellent communication nd interpersonal skills. - Strong organizational and documentation skills - Basic computer knowledge. - Ability to maintain control and respond calmly and positively during crisis situations (i.e., Code Blue).