Speech Language Pathologist

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and Experience. (1) A master's degree, or its equivalent, in speech-language pathology, communication disorders or a directly related field from an accredited college or university and one year of creditable experience.

OR (2) A doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders and sciences or a related field, from an accredited college or university. English Language Proficiency: Speech and Language Pathologists must be proficient in spoken and written English.

02Licensure

Candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Licensure. Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia. (1) Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for SLP licensure may be appointed to a temporary position as a graduate SLP under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (c)(2).

Individuals appointed as graduate SLPs may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed. (2) The requirement for licensure may be waived by the Under Secretary for Health or designee in VHA Central Office for individuals engaged in research or academic assignments involving no direct patient care duties, in accordance with current activities. (3) An SLP who has, or ever has had their speech-language pathology license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or issued/placed on probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) SLPs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If SLPs who are retained under this provision leave the occupation, they will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. (3) SLPs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment. (4) SLPs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

03Grade Determinations

Speech Language Pathologist GS -12 Education and Experience. In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-11 level, completing one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and possessing a full, current and unrestricted license to practice speech-language pathology. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).

In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Skill in applying principles and techniques of diagnosis and treatment associated with contemporary speech-language pathology following evidence-based practice for adult patients exhibiting the full range of speech to the full range of patient populations. (b) Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations. (c) Ability to assess the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions Preferred Experience: Experience with acute care, Modified barium swallow studies, Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), tracheostomy care, laryngectomy and TEP management, and speech-language-cognitive assessment and treatment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

04Physical Requirements

Light lifting under 15 pounds, light carrying under 15 pounds, both hands required, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, working closely with others, use of PPE/germicidal hand washing agents.

Duties include but are not limited to: a. Conducts comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of speech, language, voice, AAC, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders using standardized and non-standardized assessment tools. b. Develops, implements, and modifies individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. c. Performs clinical swallow evaluations and instrumental swallowing studies. d.

Incorporates new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services independently. e. Conducts assessments, provides treatment interventions, and provides consultation to other health care professionals. f. Has knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation including: endoscopy, videofluroscopy, and stroboscopy. g. Consult with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment. h.

Documents in the medical record: evaluation, diagnosis and clinical opinion, treatment plans, outcomes of treatment, changes in function, and patient/family education according to hospital policy. i. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment. j.

Conducts assessments and treatment via multi modalities/locations including: inpatient hospital ward; outpatient services; and telehealth services. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs. Telework: AD-HOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61909F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized