PACS·Visalia, California
The Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates and treats residents while developing individualized treatment plans to improve functional independence. They are also responsible for supervising clinical fellows and coordinating care with physicians, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
The Staff Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians and other health team members, and maintains documentation of services in the medical records. Conducts in-services and training for facility staff on an ongoing basis.
Essential Duties
Evaluate residents to determine speech therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence.
Assist nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
Supervise Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellows (CFY) or students in resident care and resident-related activities, following state practice act.
Communicate regularly with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Participates in Resident Care conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
Provides in-services on training programs for other staff in the facility as needed.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and aspiration prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate the ordering of necessary durable medical equipment for residents to facilitate independence in swallows and cognition.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.
Supervises CFY – Speech Clinical Fellows and students, if applicable.
Qualification: Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, prefer graduates of Masters or Doctorate Program in Speech-Language Pathology. Proficient in computer skills such as inputting data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures. Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond
to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Licensed as a Speech Therapist in the state. Employee must meet continuing education requirements per state practices. Must maintain a license in good standing at all times with the state board. Determine additional certification as appropriate per facility. CPR certification, if required by licensure.
The essential functions of this position require the ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally, as well as occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed to provide resident care and operate equipment.
The position requires the ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, with exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds to safely move residents or equipment.
Effective communication, including talking and hearing, is required to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team.
The ability to perceive and respond to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, is essential for safe and effective resident care.
Other essential functions include assisting, supporting, and transporting residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
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.
Market context
Speech therapist roles in California are typically in steady demand across schools and healthcare settings, and this posting points to skilled nursing or long-term care experience as a plus. Competitive candidates usually have a valid California SLP license and CCC-SLP, while new graduates and those seeking CF supervision are also considered. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your licensure status and highlight any SNF or long-term care exposure in your application.