Speech Therapist Jobs in California

Job Purpose

The Speech Therapist (Speech-Language Pathologist) is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication, cognitive-linguistic, and swallowing disorders for participants enrolled in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The Speech Therapist works collaboratively with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to develop and implement individualized care plans that support participants in maintaining the highest practicable level of independence, safety, and quality of life while remaining in the community.

This is a fully on-site position based in Los Angeles, CA. Remote work is not available. Applicants must be able to work on-site and be willing to relocate if currently residing outside the area.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct speech, language, cognitive, voice, and swallowing evaluations for PACE participants.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on participant needs, physician orders, and IDT recommendations.
• Provide skilled therapy services for communication disorders, dysphagia, cognitive deficits, and related conditions.
• Assess participants for aspiration risks and recommend appropriate dietary modifications and swallowing precautions.
• Collaborate with dietary staff, nursing staff, providers, rehabilitation team members, and caregivers regarding safe feeding practices and communication strategies.
• Participate actively in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and care planning discussions.
• Educate participants, family members, caregivers, and staff regarding therapy goals, treatment plans, adaptive techniques, and safety recommendations.
• Document evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, reassessments, and discharge summaries in accordance with CMS, state, federal, and organizational requirements.
• Monitor participant progress and modify treatment plans as clinically indicated.
• Recommend and train participants on the use of adaptive communication devices and assistive technologies when appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, participant rights, safety standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, audits, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Coordinate care transitions and discharge planning related to speech therapy services.
• Maintain productivity standards and timely completion of documentation.
• Perform home visits as needed to assess participant safety and functional needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program preferred.
• Current and unrestricted Speech-Language Pathologist license in the State of California.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) preferred.
• Current CPR/BLS certification required or able to obtain within 90 days of hired.

Experience:

• A minimum total of two years of working experience with frail or elderly population.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and apply good judgment.
• Ability to function well independently.
• Ability to use or be trained in computer skills for the workplace.
• Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge as outlined in attached position-specific Competency Assessment Profile.
• Able to speak Cantonese/Mandarin preferred.

Other:

• Requires physical strength to perform the job.
• Routine travel between PACE sites and in the community required.
• Requires valid driver's license.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Able to constantly position yourself to maintain files in file cabinets such as reaching with hands and arms, kneeling, crouching, etc.
• The ability to communicate, detect, converse with, discern, convey, express oneself, and exchange information is crucial for this role.