Job Summary: The speech therapist implements with minimal supervision, high quality speech –language pathology services for patients, caregivers and facility in accordance with the principles and practices of speech language pathology and with JKV policies and procedures. Assures resident safety.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provides a comprehensive evaluation of communication skills and/or swallowing potential.
• Provides direct patient care to geriatric patients.
• Evaluates patient’s abilities.
• Develops, plans and implements treatment based on evaluations to develop and improve the patient’s communication and/or swallowing abilities.
• Interprets results of patient’s treatment program and maintains appropriate records of patient’s progress.
• Instructs and counsels patients and family members on the resident specific care program.
• Reports pertinent changes in patient’s status to the referring physician and rehab supervisor.
• Developing and implementing new programs/techniques to enhance speech therapy services.
• Completes documentation at point of service.
• Assures resident safety at all times.

Other Functions and Responsibilities:

• Other duties as requested or assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Usually works indoors but may work outside on occasion.

Educational, Physical, and Other Requirements:

• Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations, Physical requirements may include frequent use of hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee may be required to lift, stand, walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and smell. Vision abilities may require close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• For the safety and security of our residents and employees must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English, which is the most universally used language of our residents and employee population.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 30 pounds.
• Must hold a valid license to practice speech therapy in the state in which they are practicing.
• Must be a Speech Therapist in good standing with the State of Florida.
• One year work experience in a hospital or similar type facility providing care to a defined age population as a Speech Therapist.
• Must have knowledge and skills appropriate to pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance
• Must meet all local health regulations and post offer physical exam.
• Must meet all licensure requirements to keep license current.
• Current CPR certification
• Customer/Guest Relations & Communications:
• Must maintain a professional, respectful, friendly demeanor with all residents, family members, guests, and staff at all times.