Full Job Description
The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in participants enrolled in the PACE program. As part of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), the SLP develops and implements individualized care plans that promote functional independence, safety, and quality of life for frail older adults.
PACE SLPs play a critical role in maintaining participants’ ability to communicate effectively and safely swallow, supporting the program’s goal of keeping seniors living in the community.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Conduct comprehensive speech-language and swallowing assessments (clinical and instrumental as appropriate)
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on participant goals and interdisciplinary care plans
- Provide direct therapy for:
- Speech and language disorders
- Cognitive-communication impairments
- Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
- Monitor participant progress and adjust treatment interventions accordingly
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, PT/OT, dietitians, social workers) to coordinate care
- Participate in IDT meetings and care planning conferences as needed
- Educate participants, caregivers, and staff on communication strategies and safe swallowing techniques
- Recommend adaptive equipment and augmentative communication (AAC) devices as appropriate
- Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory standards
- Remains alert to pertinent input from other team members, Participants, and caregivers and updates the IDT promptly regarding any changes in Participants’ condition or medical status
- Provides home visits & home health as needed
- Knows and adheres to the philosophy and goals of NEMS PACE
- Ensure compliance with CMS, state, and PACE regulatory requirements
- May provide after-hours on-call coverage to support PACE participants when the PACE Center is closed as needed for support
- Utilizes Epic appropriately and efficiently and serves as content and workflow expert for resolving issues and proposing solutions in Epic.
- Performs other job duties as required by Manager/Supervisor.
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology
- Current California SLP license
- Current BLS and First Aid required
Preferred Qualifications
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (or eligibility)
- Minimum one year of experience working with a frail and/or older adult population
- Experience with dysphagia and cognitive-communication disorders management in medical settings
- Experience in interdisciplinary or managed care settings (e.g., PACE, SNF, home health)
LANGUAGE:
- Must be able to fluently speak, read and write English.
- Fluency in Chinese (Cantonese) , Mandarin and/or Vietnamese are preferred.
- Fluency in other languages is an asset.
STATUS:
- This is an FLSA Non-exempt position.
- This is not an OSHA high-risk position.
NEMS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer welcoming diversity in our workforce. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.