Speech Language Pathologist
Marysville, CA
Host Healthcare
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Speech Therapist (Rehabilitation Therapy)

Location: Marysville, California
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Summary

Provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing (dysphagia) disorders in a geriatric, medically complex population within a subacute/long-term skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support quality patient outcomes and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations within 24 hours of physician referral to assess speech, language, cognition, and swallowing.
• Develop functional therapy diagnoses and prognoses.
• Design and implement individualized treatment plans using evidence-based interventions; adjust treatment based on patient progress and establish measurable goals.
• Provide direct therapy addressing communication and swallowing disorders, including compensatory strategies, cognitive-communication interventions, and group therapy when appropriate.
• Document evaluations, daily treatment notes, weekly progress updates, physician progress reports, discharge summaries, billing documentation, and plan of care logs accurately and timely.
• Educate residents, families, and nursing/CNA staff on communication strategies, safe swallowing techniques, and home exercise programs.
• Coordinate care with interdisciplinary team members (nurses, physicians, PT/OT, dietary, social work) to optimize patient outcomes and support discharge planning.
• Participate in quality improvement and facility initiatives; advocate for patient-centered care, ethical practice, and compliance with Medicare/Medicaid documentation standards (PDPM, Title 22, CMS).
• If supervising SLPAs or therapy aides, ensure compliance with California regulations, including having 2 years (or 3,120 hours) of experience, providing direct supervision for 20% of duties for the first 90 days, and completing required CEUs in supervision.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited institution.
• Current California SLP license (Temporary RPE license accepted if in process).
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA preferred.
• Experience in skilled nursing facility or geriatric/rehabilitation settings preferred.
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid billing, PDPM requirements, and California regulations (Title 22, CMS).
• Current BLS/CPR certification required.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Work with both subacute rehabilitation stays (often up to 100 days under Medicare Part A) and long-term care residents.
• Therapy intensity may reach up to approximately 3 hours per day depending on patient tolerance.
• High productivity standards expected, typically billing 80-90% of available work time to therapy; proficiency in documentation and patient scheduling is essential.
• Work hours may fluctuate with quiet periods followed by days with multiple new admissions and intensive therapy sessions; flexibility and adaptability are important.
• Building strong, respectful relationships with nursing and CNA staff is vital; avoid interrupting medication passes and support staff when possible.

Specialty & Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Rehabilitation Therapy (Speech Therapy)
• Required Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; preference for experience in skilled nursing or geriatric/rehabilitation settings (implying at least some prior experience).
• Prior Travel Experience: Not specified or required.

This position offers the opportunity to work with a diverse geriatric population including patients with strokes, dementia, cognitive-communication deficits, and swallowing disorders in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment focused on enhancing resident quality of life and functional independence.