Speech-Language Pathologist

This position is in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Patient Care Services at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. The Speech-Language Pathologist at this level plans, conducts, and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic assessments and evaluations and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.

Qualifications:

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:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education and Experience: 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. OR a doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders and sciences or related field, from an accredited college or university.
• Licensure: Individuals must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
  • Exception for Non-Licensed applicants. Non-Licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for SLP licensure may be appointed to a temporary position as a graduate SLP under the authority of38 U.S.C. §7405(c)(2). Individuals appointed as a graduate SLP's may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed.

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: GS-11
Education. None beyond the basic requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of principles and techniques in assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing.
2. Knowledge of instrumentation and technologies for assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders.
3. Ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions, needs and goals.

Grade Determinations: GS-12
Experience. In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-11 level, completing one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and possessing a full, current and unrestricted license to practice speech-language pathology.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. 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.
2. Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations.
3. Ability to assess the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions.

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities are carried out at the Coatesville VA Medical Center including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the service. The Speech-Language Pathologist at this level plans, conducts, and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic assessments and evaluations and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Uses a wide range of knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of speech-language pathology to a wide range of populations.
• Conducts assessments, provides treatment interventions, and provides consultation to other health care professionals.
• Demonstrates knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of principles and techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia, and cognitive communication disorders.
• Consults with physicians and other health care practitioners including but not limited to ENT, GI, dental, RD, and/or Community Care ST as needed when clinically appropriate related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
• Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment.
• Documents in the medical record the results and interpretation of results of dysphagia and communication evaluations, treatment progress and recommendations, and other additional ancillary recommendations.
• Keeps current with theory and practice through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks, and other literature, and in-service programs.
• Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs, and evaluation of existing programs.
• May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent to service/section on medical center, network, or national committees.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000 - Speech - Language Pathologist
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Salary : $77,211