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. (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 (see paragraph 2.g.).

OR (2) A doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders and sciences or a related field, from an accredited college or university. Licensure. Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency. SLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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).

02Grade Determinations

Experience GS-12: . In addition to the basic requirements, completing one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level, GS-11 that includes: Knowledge of contemporary audiology and speech-language pathology practice. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to communicate information effectively to patients, families, and other health care professionals.

Knowledge of the principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders and the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Knowledge of, and ability to develop and implement, comprehensive treatment plans. Ability to function as a constructive member of a team. 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.

03Preferred Experience

Ideal candidate will have speech-language pathology experience with the adult population, including diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia and cognitive-communication disorders across the full scope of medical speech pathology. Knowledge and familiarity of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) instrumentation is preferred; additional training may be provided.

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

Work is primarily sedentary, but requires walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for objects on shelves. On occasion, work may require assisting patient by tugging, lifting, or pushing the patient in a wheelchair or stretcher to maneuver within the clinical or testing environment.

Duties include but are not limited to: Plans, conducts, and coordinates all clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary medical speech-language pathology practice. Responsible for independent diagnostic assessment of cases without limitation as to difficulty or complexity.

Responsible for the adequacy of assessment and for the reporting of the findings to other professional workers with whom he/she or other members of the speech-language pathology service may cooperate in formulating diagnostic and clinical judgments; assesses patient condition from close observation and consultation with other members of the inter-disciplinary health care team; and utilizing all diagnostic and evaluative procedures and techniques consistent with contemporary medical speech-language pathology practice.

Uses instrumentation {e.g. videofluoroscopy, nasoendoscopy, stroboscopy, surface electromyography, computer technology, etc.) to observe, collect data, and measure parameters of communication and swallowing in accordance with the principles of evidence-based practice. Provide rehabilitation to individuals with voice disorders including alaryngeal and tracheostomized or ventilator-dependent patients.

Develops and implements treatment plans designed to improve cognitive-communication processes or to compensate for cognitive-communication disability using adaptive strategies. Responsible for planning, conducting, coordinating and monitoring the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation services to maximize and restore to the greatest extent possible physical and social functioning.

Document results of evaluation, development of treatment goals and treatment plans, discharge recommendations, and education of patients and families within the medical record in the form of evaluation reports, progress notes, education notes and discharge reports. - Provides routine counseling and guidance to each individual Veteran concerning his/her impairment. Attends regular staff meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings as appropriate, review policies and procedures, and attend in-service training.

Serves as a consultant to other facility personnel involving the most difficult and complex cases and is a recognized subject matter expert on matters related to speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive and swallowing disorders. Remain current with new developments in speech pathology and will maintain professional competency by reading professional journals, engaging in continuing education activities, and by communicating with other professionals in the profession and related professions.

Responsible for supervising and mentoring graduate students and other trainees in speech pathology, covering methods of testing and evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning and techniques and preparation of reports. Adheres to the facility's rules, policies, and procedures and to the American Speech Language Hearing Association's policies regarding professional standards and ethics.

The incumbent may perform ancillary assignments including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Compressed/Flexible: At Management's Discretion Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized