Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathology Duties

Duties include:

• Use 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.
• Develop coherent treatment strategies.
• Incorporates new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services independently.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments, provides treatment interventions with focus on evidence-based research, and provides consultation to other health care professionals.
• Has knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation.
• Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations.
• Ability to assess the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions.
• Has knowledge of principles and techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia, and cognitive-communication disorders as well as a familiarity with head and neck cancers, behavioral health and Polytrauma factors unique to the Veteran population.
• Has knowledge of principles and techniques used in voice disorders including alaryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patients to perform functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology scope of practice.
• Exercises independent clinical judgment and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations.
• Consults with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
• Documents medical record evaluations, diagnosis and clinical opinion, treatment plans, outcomes of treatment, changes in functional status, and patient/family education.
• Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment.
• Provides orientation/training of medical staff.
• Assists in orientation and training of new staff.
• Assists in the training and supervision of students, trainees, and fellows, providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals.
• Keeps current with theory and practice through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks, and other evidence-based literature, and in-service programs.
• Provides patient and family education including informed consent.
• Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs, and evaluation of existing programs.
• Maintains patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center.
• Maintains, supplies, equipment and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency.
• May be requested to service on service-level committees or task forces or to represent to service/section on medical center, network, or national committees.
• Actively participates in local and national VA Speech Pathology meetings.
• May perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial.
• Other work-related duties as assigned by the Chief of Audiology, Speech & Low Vision or above.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Compressed/Flexible: available

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 14667F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized