Advance Your Career: Speech-Language Pathologist at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Are you a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist looking to make a profound difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a highly motivated SLP to join our Audiology and Speech Pathology Service. This role offers the opportunity to provide evidence-based, compassionate care within one of the nation's leading medical systems.
Job Responsibilities
In this position, you will perform essential diagnostic and therapeutic duties, including:
- Independent assessment and evaluation of complex speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.
- Conducting patient and caregiver interviews to form comprehensive treatment plans.
- Interpreting standardized and non-standardized diagnostic tests.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient health outcomes.
- Monitoring clinical outcomes and adapting treatment protocols to meet unique patient needs.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: A master's or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or related fields.
- Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted state license.
- Proficiency: Fluent command of spoken and written English.
- Suitability: Ability to pass security investigations, physical exams, and remain current on mandatory vaccinations.
Salary and Grade Comparison
| Level | Grade | Experience Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Entry/Developmental | GS-11 | Basic education & KSA requirements |
| Full Performance | GS-12 | One year professional experience at GS-11 level |
Note: The salary range for this position is $77,977 to $121,502 per year based on qualifications and grade level.
Benefits
Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs comes with a robust benefits package, including:
- Competitive health insurance plans.
- Participation in the federal retirement system.
- Accrual of annual leave and paid federal holidays.
- Supportive clinical environment with opportunities for continuing education and research.
Application Tips
- Detail your resume: Ensure every role includes specific dates (month and year).
- Verify your documentation: Keep your transcripts and SF-50 forms updated.
- Focus on KSAs: Clearly demonstrate your experience with swallowing evaluations and clinical adaptability in your application materials.
If you are a passionate professional ready to serve Veterans through excellence in speech pathology, we encourage you to apply. This role offers not only a career but a chance to contribute to a mission of clinical excellence and service.
Why This Speech-Language Pathologist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist to join the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service in Cleveland, Ohio. This role focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based care to Veterans, primarily within inpatient settings like the Community Living Center, with opportunities for outpatient work and the expansion of FEES studies. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team at a premier medical center, contributing to a system that serves over 124,000 Veterans across the region.
Requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Master's degree or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders, or a closely related field from an accredited institution
- Full, current, and unrestricted state licensure to practice speech-language pathology
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Speech-Language Pathologist
- Professional experience performing instrumental swallowing evaluations
- Clinical experience with diverse patient populations, including those with TBI, head and neck cancer, movement disorders, or spinal cord injuries
- Demonstrated ability to adapt clinical procedures to unique patient needs and goals
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and research participation
- ✓Stable career path within a world-class healthcare system
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology
💡 How to Apply Speech-Language Pathologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Speech-Language Pathologist Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full job announcement and required documentation.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it includes month and year for all previous employment.
- Gather necessary documents, including transcripts and your most recent SF-50.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; avoid leaving gaps in employment history.
- Ensure your SF-50 reflects the grade and step necessary for eligibility.
- Clearly highlight your experience with dysphagia and instrumental evaluations.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before submission.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the announcement closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of education is required for this position?
A master's or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or a directly related field from an accredited college or university is required.
Is a license required to start?
Yes, candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license. Graduate SLPs may be eligible for temporary appointments while awaiting licensure, but must actively pursue it.
What is the primary setting for this role?
The position is primarily inpatient-based, focused on the Community Living Center, with additional coverage in medicine floors and potential outpatient involvement.
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this position requires onsite presence in Cleveland, Ohio.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for Veterans, their families, and survivors. As a national referral center, the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center serves as a hub of innovation, housing renowned research centers and advanced clinical programs. We provide comprehensive healthcare across 17 locations, ensuring that our Veterans receive seamless, high-quality care throughout Northeast Ohio.