Speech Therapist

Kern Valley Healthcare District; Lake Isabella (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Valley Healthcare District in California is seeking a licensed Speech Language Pathologist to assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders across patient populations. You will conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans aligned with IDDSI guidelines.

You will collaborate with nurses, dietitians, physicians, and other professionals to ensure integrated care, educate patients and families, document progress, and stay current with best practices in

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Current California license in Speech-Language Pathology.
• ASHA CCC-SLP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and implement IDDSI-based dysphagia management.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and collaborate with an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on therapy strategies and home exercises.

Skills

Communication skills

Documentation

IDDSI knowledge

Crisis management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Patient education

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology

California SLP license

ASHA Certification (CCC-SLP)

Tools

EMR system

Job description

A Speech Language Pathologist plays a critical role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. In this role, the Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication, and swallowing difficulties in patients of all ages. Based on these evaluations, the therapist develops individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals. A critical component of this role is the assessment and management of dysphagia using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework to ensure safe and appropriate diet modifications for residents.

The Speech Language Pathologist provides direct therapy services, helping patients improve communication abilities and managing conditions such as articulation disorders, language delays, aphasia, and dysphagia. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team is essential to ensure coordinated and effective patient care. The therapist also educates patients, families, and caregivers on strategies to support treatment progress outside of clinical sessions.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Speech Language Pathologist maintains accurate and timely documentation, participates in case discussions, and stays current with continuing education and best practices in the field. Administrative duties may include scheduling, reporting, and ensuring compliance with healthcare policies and regulations. This role is ideal for a qualified professional with a compassionate approach and a genuine passion for improving the lives of others through communication and swallowing support.

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients' communication abilities and develop customized treatment plans.
• Provide staff training and education on IDDSI levels, safe swallowing strategies, and compensatory techniques.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, using evidence-based practices and facility protocols, including IDDSI standards for dysphagia management.
• Perform bedside swallow evaluations and collaborate with other professionals (e.g., nursing, dietitians, physicians) to recommend appropriate diet levels using IDDSI terminology.
• Stay current on IDDSI framework updates and integrate them into practice to enhance resident safety and outcomes.
• Conduct modified barium swallow studies (if certified) and interpret findings to guide diet recommendations.
• Provides therapy sessions using evidence-based techniques and modalities.
• Assess and treat speech disorders, such as articulation, fluency, resonance, and voice disorders.
• Assist patients in improving their language skills, including comprehension, expression, reading, and writing.
• Address swallowing and feeding difficulties through therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive and integrated care.
• Educate and counsel patients, families, and caregivers about communication disorders, therapy techniques, and home-based exercises.
• Keep detailed and organized records of patient assessments, progress, and treatment plans.
• Stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and advancements in the field of speech therapy through continuous professional development.
• Maintain equipment and materials used in therapy sessions.
• Supports the mission and value statements of the organization.
• An ability to observe and evaluate treatment effects, recommends change to physician if needed.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency of all rehabilitation services modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. Functions as liaison between administration, patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Complies with ongoing departmental inspections of equipment and physical space, making recommendations regarding equipment utilization and needs.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Maintains standards of professional society procedures and ethical behavior.
• Competent with the required electronic medical record system for patient charting/billing.
• Ensures all items are properly stored and maintains a clean, hazard-free environment by avoiding the placement of objects on the floor.

Qualifications & Skills

• Current California license in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), preferred.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA preferred.
• Experience in skilled nursing or geriatric care setting preferred.
• Working knowledge of IDDSI framework and experience in dysphagia management required.
• Knowledge of various speech therapy techniques and tools.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to maintain control and respond calmly and positively during crisis situations (i.e., Code Blue).

KVHD is an equal opportunity employer. KVHD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal civil rights laws.