Job info

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.