Speech Language Pathologist Per Diem

Summary of Responsibilities:

The SLP will assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. Responsibilities include developing individualized treatment plans, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and educating patients and families to enhance communication and swallowing function.

Essential Functions/Duties:

• Performs assessments, diagnoses, and develops treatment plans for language and swallowing disorders.
• Evaluates levels of swallowing, speech and language difficulty and identifies treatment options.
• Creates and carries out individualized treatment plans addressing specific functional needs.
• Teaches patients how to make sounds while improving their voices and maintaining fluency.
• Creates goals and objectives for patients to work toward and identify areas of progress and challenges.
• Provides support and advice to patients, their caregivers, and family.
• Counsels patients and families on ways to cope with swallowing and communication disorders.
• Compiles extensive notes on patients' progress and adjusts therapies and treatment plans where necessary.
• Documents patient care services according to approved medical documentation and facility documentation procedures.
• Participate and/or assist in continuing educational programs, relating to Speech Therapy.
• Attend training sessions and in-services as required or requested to maintain a progressive knowledge of job responsibilities and long-term care Speech Therapy issues.
• Perform jobs of a miscellaneous nature when necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the community and/or the rehab program.
• Participate and/or assist in continuing educational programs relating to Speech Therapy.
• Attend training sessions and in-services as required or requested to maintain a progressive knowledge of job responsibilities and long-term care Speech Therapy issues.
• Perform jobs of a miscellaneous nature when necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the facility and/or the rehab program.
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer service-oriented approach.

Core Values:

• AMBASSADOR: Represents The Highlands at Wyomissing in a positive light with integrity. Takes pride in our community.
• COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate. Often does more than is required. Reports to work as scheduled and timely.
• COMPASSIONATE: Is empathetic, mindful, and kind.
• INNOVATIVE: Is curious. Identifies new methods and efficiencies.
• RESULTS-DRIVEN: Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and completing work. Exerts unusual effort over time to achieve a goal. Maintains commitment to goals in the face of obstacles and frustrations.
• TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.

The Highlands' Traditions (Customer Service Expectations):

• SAFETY: Practices safe behaviors to ensure the safety of all.
• KINDNESS: Projects a positive image and energy. Courteous and respectful to all. Goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
• SHOW: Takes pride in self-appearance. Stays in "character" and performs the "role in the show." Ensures work area is show-ready.
• EFFICIENCY: Performs role with consistency and efficiency. Uses time and resources wisely.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This position requires the ability to work during nonstandard hours including evenings (depending on shift assigned), weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.

Hours and Benefits:

• Position is a per-diem position with no guaranteed hours or guaranteed shift assignment.
• Position is not benefits eligible.
• Position requires at least one summer and one winter holiday.
• Position is required to work across all levels of care on The Highlands at Wyomissing campus.

Travel

• May involve occasional travel within the facility or between buildings to deliver therapy services.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited therapy program
• Two to three years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience (Preferred)
• Possess a current and unrestricted Speech Therapy license by PA State Board of Speech Therapy (Required)
• Capability of reading, writing, speaking, understanding and being understood in the English language essential.
• Current CPR/ BLS certification (Required)
• Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 90 days of employment (Required)

Work Authorization/Security Clearances:

• Medical Screening
• Criminal History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
• Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (if operating company vehicle)

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, stoop, reach, push, and pull for extended periods of time, depending on therapy delivery needs.
• Frequent lifting, positioning, and transferring of residents with or without assistance; must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills required to operate therapy equipment, write reports, and handle medical documentation.
• Visual and auditory acuity necessary for assessing resident condition, monitoring safety, and interacting with residents and staff.
• Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of walking between resident rooms, therapy spaces, and community areas.
• Physical stamina to manage a demanding caseload and remain active throughout the workday in a dynamic, resident-centered environment.

Safety Hazards and Physical Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in a well-maintained senior living community, including resident apartments, therapy gyms, and common areas.
• Exposure to varying indoor temperatures and occasional outdoor conditions when transporting or assisting residents.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and infection; adherence to standard precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Risk of physical injury due to assisting residents with mobility and during therapy activities; appropriate body mechanics and safety protocols must be followed.
• Routine interaction with residents who may have cognitive impairments, requiring alertness to behavioral cues and de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Compliance with OSHA regulations, infection control standards, and emergency preparedness procedures is mandatory.