Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Western Slope Health Center – Placerville, CA
Full-Time | $65.00 per hour

About the Position

Western Slope Health Center is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to join our rehabilitation team on a full-time basis.

The Staff Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for evaluating and treating residents with speech, language, communication, cognitive, and swallowing needs. This position works closely with residents, families, physicians, nursing staff, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop individualized treatment plans and support each resident's highest level of functional independence.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative healthcare professional who is committed to providing quality, person-centered care and maintaining accurate, timely, and compliant documentation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents to determine speech, language, cognitive, communication, and swallowing therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans based on resident needs, goals, and rehabilitation potential.
• Provide skilled speech-language pathology services designed to improve communication, cognition, swallowing function, safety, and functional independence.
• Assist the nursing department with training and education of Restorative Aides as appropriate.
• Supervise Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellows (CFY) and/or students in resident care and resident-related activities in accordance with applicable state practice requirements.
• Communicate regularly with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families regarding resident progress, treatment goals, outcomes, and discharge planning.
• Participate in Resident Care Conferences, Utilization Review meetings, Rehabilitation meetings, and other interdisciplinary meetings as needed.
• Provide in-service education and training programs for facility staff as assigned.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with facility policies, governmental regulations, and third-party payer requirements.
• Maintain accurate medical records and documentation using applicable electronic medical record systems.
• Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, equipment maintenance, and resident safety protocols.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding treatment goals, home exercise and communication programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, swallowing strategies, and aspiration prevention.
• Recommend and facilitate the ordering of appropriate durable medical equipment and adaptive equipment to promote resident independence and safety with swallowing, communication, cognition, and related functional needs.
• Contribute to quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the development and improvement of the facility's rehabilitation programs as assigned.
• Maintain professional relationships with residents, families, staff members, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrate a positive, effective, and appropriate approach when interacting with residents, families, coworkers, and professional colleagues.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, local, and facility regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by facility leadership.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Speech-Language Pathologist may supervise Clinical Fellows (CFY) and Speech-Language Pathology students, when applicable, in accordance with state licensing and practice requirements.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology required; graduates of an accredited Master's or Doctoral program in Speech-Language Pathology are preferred.
• Experience in skilled nursing, post-acute care, rehabilitation, or geriatric healthcare is preferred.
• Strong understanding of speech, language, cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Experience working with an interdisciplinary healthcare team preferred.
• Proficiency with electronic medical record systems and computer applications.
• Experience with Net Health and PointClickCare is preferred.

Language Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend technical procedures, policy and procedure manuals, and other clinical documentation.
• Ability to effectively communicate treatment plans, resident progress, recommendations, and concerns.
• Ability to present information and respond appropriately to questions from managers, coworkers, residents, physicians, families, and other healthcare professionals.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and make appropriate clinical decisions within the scope of practice.
• Ability to interpret and follow instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to prioritize resident needs and adjust treatment approaches based on resident response and clinical findings.

Licensure & Certifications

• Must hold a current Speech-Language Pathologist license in the State of California and maintain the license in good standing.
• Must meet all applicable continuing education requirements established by the State of California and applicable licensing board.
• Must maintain all required professional credentials and certifications throughout employment.
• CPR certification required if applicable based on licensure, facility policy, or position requirements.
• Additional certifications may be required or preferred based on facility needs.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Frequently stand and walk and occasionally sit while providing resident care and performing job duties.
• May occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as necessary to provide resident care and operate equipment.
• Ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment.
• May occasionally be required to exert significant physical force when assisting with resident mobility, positioning, transfers, or equipment in accordance with facility-approved safe resident handling practices.
• Ability to safely assist, support, and transport residents as appropriate and in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate through talking and hearing when interacting with residents, families, coworkers, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Ability to perceive and respond appropriately to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, to safely perform resident care.
• Must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

The position is performed in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation environment with regular interaction with residents, families, healthcare professionals, and facility staff. The noise level is generally low to moderate, although it may vary depending on resident care activities and facility operations.

Why Join Western Slope Health Center?

At Western Slope Health Center, our rehabilitation team plays an important role in helping residents achieve greater independence, safety, communication, and quality of life.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while working alongside an interdisciplinary team committed to providing compassionate, individualized care.

Position Highlights:

• Full-Time
• $65.00 per hour
• Supportive interdisciplinary team environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on resident outcomes
• Skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting
• Opportunities for professional collaboration and growth

Equal Employment Opportunity

Western Slope Health Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees who require reasonable accommodation for religious beliefs and practices, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.