Home Health Speech Therapist

Major Responsibilities

• Conduct a speech and language evaluation of each patient and establish a plan of care and treatment goals. Evaluate outcomes within an appropriate timeframe.
• Evaluate and treat patients with various speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders under the prescription of a physician.
• Communicate with physicians to confirm and update patient’s plan of treatment and provide status reports on a regular basis. Communicate problems to physicians and management, clearly stating plans, actions, and goals so changes are reflected as they occur.
• Maintain and update accurate clinical and patient records according to state and federal guidelines.
• Manage assigned caseload, including scheduling and informing site leadership of coverage needs and promoting coordination of services. Manage the patient’s medical condition, including medications; act as a patient advocate to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Provide ongoing assessment of patient response to treatments, teach and apply interventions as appropriate, and update and revise plan of care as indicated.
• Discuss caseload issues and changes in case census with management.
• Teach appropriate therapy procedures and supportive activities to patients and caregivers, and develop a plan for obtaining adaptive devices as needed.
• Plan for and complete patient discharge, including providing written home programs, patient/family teaching, referral for community services, and ordering equipment.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served; demonstrate understanding of the principles of growth and development over the lifespan; assess data reflective of patient status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to age‑specific needs.

• Speech-Language Pathology license issued by the State of Wisconsin.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) to be obtained within six months unless otherwise determined.
• Valid driver’s license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

• Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology.

• Typically requires three years of experience in speech therapy within an acute hospital or home health care setting.

• Proficiency in clinical skills with the ability to work independently and make sound judgments.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organization, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to annual educational requirements for hospital‑based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF or others).

• Obtain transportation to attend daily home visits and other agency business in a timely manner.
• Manual dexterity to use and operate medical equipment, writing implements, and office equipment.
• Physical agility to move around in confined spaces, including bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and occasionally reaching overhead.
• Ability to work safely with people of various sizes and weights, and with diverse medical conditions and physical limitations; lift and support up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and climb stairs for limited to prolonged periods to complete required paperwork, access patient residences, travel between visits, and perform other related activities.
• Physical stamina to provide patient/client care for periods of three or more hours without complete rest.
• Clear speech and hearing for in‑person and telephone communication.
• Ability to visually identify people, objects, and files from a distance of three feet.
• Operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.