Speech-Language Pathologist

Summary

The Speech-Language Pathologist is located at the Long Beach VA Healthcare System in the Speech Pathology Section. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and patient care areas involved with the section.

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education and Experience
• (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
• (1) 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 of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (c)(2)
• Individuals appointed as graduate SLPs may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed
• 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: Speech-Language Pathologist - 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: (a) Knowledge of principles and techniques in assessing and treating disorders of speech - language - cognitive-communication and swallowing
• (b) Knowledge of instrumentation and technologies for assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders
• (c) Ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions - needs and goals
• Speech-Language Pathologist 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: (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: Experience working in inpatient acute care and/or acute rehab settings - competencies in Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) - Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• tracheostomy/ventilator management Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• 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: 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.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to: Conducting comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of speech - language - voice - fluency - cognitive - and dysphagia disorders using standardized and non-standardized assessment tools
• Developing - implementing - and modifying individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
• Performing clinical swallow evaluations and participating in instrumental swallowing studies
• Providing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessments and device trials
• Incorporates new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services independently
• Conducts assessments - provides treatment interventions - and provides consultation to other health care professionals
• Exercises independent clinical judgement and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient experiences
• Assist in orientation and training of new staff
• Provides patient and family education
• Assist in the training and supervision of students - trainees - and fellows - providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals
• Work Schedule: Sunday 7AM-11AM - Monday - Thursday - 7:00AM-4:30PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.