Launch Your Speech-Language Pathology Career with the VA in Maine
Are you a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist looking to make a lasting impact? The VA Maine Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a motivated clinician to join our Sensory and Physical Rehabilitation Service. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-quality care to America’s Veterans while working in a supportive, mission-driven medical environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an SLP at the VA Maine Healthcare System, your daily duties will be diverse and challenging. You will be responsible for:
- Conducting independent assessments and evaluations for patients with speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.
- Developing individualized therapy plans designed to improve social, educational, and professional communication.
- Providing specialized dysphagia treatment to ensure patient safety and nutritional health.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians and nurses, to coordinate comprehensive care.
- Maintaining detailed medical records of evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment outcomes.
- Mentoring students and fellows, contributing to the development of the next generation of clinicians.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A Master's or Doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or a related communication disorders field from an accredited university.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
Salary and Grade Overview
The position is classified as a GS-11 to GS-12 role. Compensation is determined based on experience and qualifications within the federal locality pay scale.
| Grade Level | Typical Experience Focus |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Entry to Mid-level clinical practice |
| GS-12 | Advanced practice and independent management |
Benefits of a VA Career
Federal employment with the VA comes with a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement Security: Federal pension plans combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including federal holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- Career Development: Ongoing training and opportunities for professional advancement within the nation’s largest health system.
Application Tips
Submitting a federal application is a specialized process. Ensure your success by:
- Tailoring your resume: Clearly list all relevant clinical experiences, including patient demographics and specific modalities used.
- Formatting dates: Use Month/Year for all start and end dates to ensure your experience is credited correctly.
- Providing documentation: Attach all required certificates, transcripts, and professional licenses immediately to avoid being marked ineligible.
Working as an SLP at the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in patient care. If you are ready to apply your diagnostic skills to support the health and independence of Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date.
Why This Speech-Language Pathologist Job Matters
Transform lives and honor those who served by joining the VA Maine Healthcare System as a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and skilled Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to join the Sensory and Physical Rehabilitation Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System in Augusta. In this vital role, you will evaluate, treat, and support Veterans facing communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. You will work within an interdisciplinary team, applying evidence-based practices to improve the daily quality of life for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. This full-time position offers a collaborative environment where professional growth and patient advocacy are at the heart of daily operations.
Requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice speech-language pathology in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Must complete a background and security investigation.
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as bending, stooping, and assisting patients with movement.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination programs.
Preferred Qualifications for Speech-Language Pathologist
- Prior clinical experience in adult speech-language pathology.
- Demonstrated expertise in instrumental swallowing evaluations.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- A track record of adapting clinical techniques to unique, age-specific patient needs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Flexible scheduling options
- ✓Stable work environment serving a mission-driven organization
💡 How to Apply Speech-Language Pathologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Speech-Language Pathologist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a long-form resume documenting your duties, specific start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
- Collect required documents, including your license, transcripts, and any applicable SF-50s or DD-214s.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be as specific as possible in your resume regarding clinical duties and patient populations served.
- Ensure your resume includes start and end dates in month/year format for every position.
- Double-check that your license information is current and clearly documented.
- Submit all required forms at once; incomplete applications will be marked as ineligible.
- Use the USAJOBS status tracker to monitor your application progress after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am currently in the process of getting my license?
Non-licensed applicants meeting all other criteria may be appointed to a temporary graduate SLP position, but full licensure is required for promotion to the GS-12 level.
What is the typical work schedule?
This is a full-time position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Does this position offer telework?
Telework may be authorized depending on the specific needs of the department and patient care requirements.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
What is the physical demand of this role?
*A: The role requires frequent walking, bending, and handling of clinical equipment, such as wheelchairs, as well as providing physical support to patients.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We operate under the "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. By joining our team, you become part of a national network dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in our military.