Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Speech/Language Pathologist at Walter Reed
Are you a dedicated clinician looking to pivot your career toward a mission-focused environment? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Speech/Language Pathologist (GS-12) to serve at the world-class Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). This is a rare opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the recovery and health of our nation’s service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will perform high-level diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Key duties include:
- Acute Care Collaboration: Working within interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient care.
- Clinical Leadership: Directing the medical team regarding swallowing, language, voice, and cognitive communication needs.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Utilizing EMR systems for documentation and organizing data for research and facility-wide improvement projects.
- Academic Involvement: Contributing to and presenting at division-led academic lectures to foster continuous learning.
Requirements & Qualifications
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet strict federal criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Graduate degree with 18+ semester hours in Speech Pathology |
| Licensure | Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted state license |
| Experience | One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level |
| Restrictions | No education-for-experience substitution is permitted |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $102,415 – $133,142 per year, which includes applicable locality pay. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance.
- Generous Retirement Benefits (FERS).
- Ample Paid Time Off (PTO).
- Potential for recruitment/relocation bonuses for highly qualified candidates.
Application Tips
Applying for federal positions requires precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer. Detail your experience clearly, including dates (month/year) and hours worked per week. Always include your licensure and transcripts, as missing these documents will lead to your application being marked as incomplete.
Working as a Speech/Language Pathologist at Walter Reed is more than just a job; it is a commitment to supporting the health of those who serve our country. With competitive compensation and a supportive clinical team, this is an excellent step for a seasoned professional. Start your application today to ensure you are considered for this critical role.
Why This Speech/Language Pathologist Job Matters
Join the elite medical team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and directly impact the lives of our nation's heroes as a Speech/Language Pathologist.
Speech/Language Pathologist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Speech/Language Pathologist to join the Department of Surgery at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. In this vital role, you will work within a multidisciplinary, acute care environment, providing essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and collaborative services to support the communication and swallowing needs of military personnel and their families. This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority, streamlining the recruitment of highly qualified professionals.
Requirements for Speech/Language Pathologist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Graduate degree including 18 semester hours in speech pathology with approved clinical practice
- Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice Speech/Language Pathology
- One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Ability to submit official transcripts confirming education requirements
- Proof of registration with Selective Service (for male applicants born after 1959)
Preferred Qualifications for Speech/Language Pathologist
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Clinical experience with pediatric patients (birth-17 years)
- Work history in acute care or rehabilitation settings
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Robust retirement and pension plans
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the DoD health system
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Speech/Language Pathologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Speech/Language Pathologist Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Upload a copy of your current, unrestricted professional license.
- Upload official transcripts verifying your degree and required credit hours.
- Review your application package for accuracy and submit before the midnight deadline on July 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
- Use clear, plain language and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year).
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are fully uploaded and cleared the virus scan before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required year of experience?
No. For this specific position, you must demonstrate one full year of specialized experience in addition to meeting the educational prerequisites.
Is a security clearance required?
A security clearance is not required; however, the position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive, requiring a suitability/fitness adjudication.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per the hiring guidelines for this announcement, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be excluded from the selection process.
Can I use foreign education?
*A: Yes, but it must be evaluated by a recognized organization to prove equivalency to a U.S. degree.*
What is the application deadline?
*A: All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on July 30, 2026.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated health care system providing medical services across the Department of Defense. Operating with a commitment to excellence, the DHA ensures that over 9.5 million beneficiaries receive the highest standard of care. Working at a facility like Walter Reed means being part of a strategic, collaborative environment where professional development and patient care are top priorities.