Speech-Language Pathologist

Summary This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Section of the NWI VAHCS - Omaha VA with primary duties at the NWI Papillion Community Living Center (CLC). The speech‑language pathologist plans, conducts, and coordinates diagnostic assessments, evaluations, and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: SLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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 (see paragraph 2.g); or a doctoral degree in speech‑language pathology or 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. Non‑licensed applicants who meet the eligibility requirements for SLP licensure may be appointed to a temporary graduate SLP position under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). A graduate SLP may not be promoted to the GS‑12 level without being fully licensed. Applicants with a revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or probationary license may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3, Section B, paragraph 16 of this part. Applicants may qualify under the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation. Grade Determinations: Speech‑Language Pathologist – GS‑11 – Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) – GS‑11: Knowledge of principles and techniques in assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, cognitive‑communication, and swallowing; knowledge of instrumentation and technologies for assessment and treatment; ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions, needs, and goals. Experience – GS‑12: One year of professional experience comparable to GS‑11 and a full, current, and unrestricted license. Skill in applying contemporary evidence‑based practice for a full range of speech and swallowing disorders; skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations; ability to assess the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapt procedures accordingly. Preferred Experience: Clinical speech‑pathology experience in a VA hospital or clinic; experience with CPRS and/or Cerner EHR. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑12; the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is in the range of GS‑11 to GS‑12. Physical Requirements: Applicants will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process. Duties Major duties include – but are not limited to – the following: The incumbent is primarily assigned to the NWI Papillion Community Living Center. The incumbent provides comprehensive speech‑therapy care to veterans. The incumbent is responsible for completing complex evaluations and treatments using advanced methodologies and theories for a wide variety of impairments. Independent evaluation and treatment of veterans referred for speech, language, voice, cognition, and swallowing disorders. Perform thorough and comprehensive examinations of referred veterans, using all standard procedures and instruments. Conduct the full spectrum of dysphagia evaluation techniques, including clinical exam, modified barium swallow (MBS), and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Plan, coordinate, and implement speech‑therapy interventions to restore function, compensate for dysfunction, and improve quality of life and independence. Collaborate with veterans’ providers—dietitians, nursing staff, caregivers—to coordinate safe feeding programs for veterans with dysphagia. Provide routine follow‑up evaluations. Evaluate veterans’ needs for assistive devices and adaptive appliances or technology, and instruct them and their caregivers on safe and proper use. Work with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems and environmental control units. Receive veteran referrals, ensure timely scheduling of evaluations and treatment. Review charts to assess appropriateness of referrals and possible contraindications for treatment. Schedule veterans for treatment, considering priority, frequency, and coordinating with the treatment team. Maintain schedule flexibility to accommodate unscheduled veterans and family conferences. Assess need for other services, request referrals as necessary based on subjective and objective evaluation. Ensure timely documentation of all veteran visits according to policy. Serve as a consultant for other rehabilitation therapists regarding speech‑therapy services. Communicate directly with multidisciplinary team members—primary care providers, nursing personnel, social workers, dietitians, psychologists, and other disciplines involved in veteran care. Advise and instruct medical‑center staff on care of veterans’ needs and progress, including discharge planning information. Continuously maintain and develop advanced skills through continuing education and training. Review documentation from outside medical providers and make recommendations to the care team. Provide direct supervision and training to students assigned to the Speech‑Language Pathology program, guiding them in training protocols and objectives. Supervise, mentor, and precept student trainees in speech‑language pathology, and maintain liaison with affiliated colleges and universities. Provide instruction to residents and interns seeking information related to speech‑language pathology practice. Maintain required supplies, report needed repairs, and keep clinic areas orderly. Offer orientation on speech‑language pathology to medical‑center employees, volunteers, and visitors on request. Perform ancillary assignments, including occasional program‑management duties when required. Work Schedule: Monday—Friday, 7:30 am—4:00 pm. Telework: Custom. This is not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr