Leading Excellence: The Role of Supervisory Speech Pathologist at Cincinnati VA

Are you a dedicated clinical leader looking to advance your career while serving those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly qualified Supervisory Speech Pathologist to lead the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. This is a mission-driven leadership opportunity for a professional experienced in complex medical service management.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of PM&R, you will function as a high-level administrator and clinical leader. Your duties include:

Service Oversight: Directing a wide array of services including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and specialized Polytrauma/TBI programs.
Financial Management: Managing budgets, resource allocation, and procurement for the entire PM&R service.
Staff Development: Overseeing performance management, training programs, and academic affiliations.
Strategic Coordination: Aligning service goals with the VISN and National VA objectives to ensure high-quality patient care.

Comparison: Clinical vs. Administrative Expectations

Focus Area	Clinical Expectation	Administrative Expectation
Scope	Patient care and outcomes	Service-wide efficiency
Responsibility	Direct treatment/Consultation	Budgeting and hiring
Collaboration	Interdisciplinary teams	Executive Leadership Team

Requirements

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Master’s or Doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or related field.
Licensure: Full, current, and unrestricted license in a U.S. jurisdiction.
Proficiency: Advanced spoken and written English.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $131,009 to $170,317 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Additional recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified individuals.

Benefits

Employees enjoy extensive federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for professional advancement and continuous learning.
A collaborative, mission-focused work environment.

Application Tips

To be successful, ensure your application package includes the specific one-page clinical resume template linked on the application portal. Clearly detail your management experience, focusing on metrics where possible to showcase your ability to run a large medical service.

This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to lead clinical excellence in a high-stakes environment. If you are passionate about rehabilitative care and possess the leadership skills to guide a diverse department, apply for the Supervisory Speech Pathologist role at the Cincinnati VA today.

Why This Supervisory Speech Pathologist Job Matters

Lead a mission-critical rehabilitation team and directly impact the lives of those who served our nation as the Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Cincinnati VA.

Supervisory Speech Pathologist Job Overview

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Speech Pathologist to serve as the Chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee a multifaceted department including Physiatry, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pain Management, and specialized care for Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord injuries. You will be responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, clinical excellence, and staff development within one of the largest catchment areas in the Veterans Health Administration, ensuring that our Veterans receive world-class, evidence-based rehabilitative care.

Requirements for Supervisory Speech Pathologist

U.S. Citizenship
Master's degree or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders, or a closely related field from an accredited university
Current, full, and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Speech Pathologist

3-5 years of federal healthcare management experience in a medium to large service or section
Experience as a program or site director for ACGME-affiliated programs
Demonstrated ability to manage complex accreditation requirements for rehabilitation programs
Proven experience in conflict resolution and interdepartmental collaboration
Strong background in financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with potential for recruitment/relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Work-life balance in a vibrant, family-friendly metropolitan area

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Speech Pathologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Speech Pathologist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
Upload your documents, including your clinical resume and any required transcripts or professional licenses.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your management and leadership experience in a clinical setting.
Double-check that you have uploaded the mandatory one-page clinical resume template provided by the VA.
Monitor your email for status updates following the initial cut-off date.
Prepare your documentation for any specific veterans' preference claims in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the PM&R Service Chief?

The Chief is responsible for the overall planning, direction, and coordination of the PM&R service, including budgeting, personnel management, and ensuring clinical compliance across all rehabilitation disciplines.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and requires regular presence to manage the clinical and administrative operations of the medical center.

What happens if I am pending my license or degree?

You may be referred and tentatively selected, but you cannot be officially hired until all educational and licensure requirements are fully met.

What is the trial period?

As a condition of federal employment, you will serve a 1-2 year trial period to ensure your performance meets the agency's needs.

Is there flexibility in the schedule?

The core schedule is Monday through Friday, with specific start/end times negotiable upon selection.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. At the Cincinnati VA, we prioritize compassionate, whole-health care for Veterans across Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. Our facility prides itself on innovation, evidence-based practice, and a supportive culture that has earned the VA a spot among the best places to work in the federal government.