Why This Speech-Language Pathologist Job Matters
Join the <strong class="text-gray-900">Veterans Health Administration</strong> and make an impact.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Overview
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. Basic 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). Grade 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. Preferred 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. Physical 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.