Speech-Language Pathologist

Full Job Description

This Speech-Language Pathologist position is in the Speech Pathology Service under the Sensory and Physical Rehabilitation services line.

This position is located at the VA Bedford Healthcare System, in Bedford, MA and is full-time at 40 hours per week..

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. 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.

OR 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.

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.

The requirement for licensure may be waived by the Under Secretary for Health or designee in VHA Central Office for individuals engaged in research or academic assignments involving no direct patient care duties, in accordance with current activities.

An SLP who has, or ever has had their speech-language pathology license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or issued/placed on probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.

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: Knowledge of principles and techniques in assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing.

Knowledge of instrumentation and technologies for assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders.

Ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions, needs and goals.

Speech-Language Pathologist, GS-12: 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.

Incumbent is a speech-language pathologist and performs functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology practice. Incumbent functions at the full performance level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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.

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.

Preferred Experience: The preferred candidate will demonstrate the ability to apply advanced clinical knowledge to independently evaluate, diagnose, and provide evidence-based treatment for a broad range of speech-language pathology disorders.

This includes the ability to develop and implement coherent treatment plans, integrate new clinical procedures and technologies into practice, and provide consultation to interdisciplinary healthcare team members.

Candidates should possess knowledge of instrumentation and contemporary practices utilized in speech-language pathology, including principles and techniques associated with augmentative and alternative communication, management of dysphagia and cognitive-communication disorders, and evaluation and treatment of voice disorders, including care of alaryngeal and tracheostomy or ventilator-dependent patients.

Experience performing Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is preferred.

Preferred applicants will demonstrate clinical experience in dysphagia management consistent with current standards of care, including familiarity with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework.

Additional desirable experience includes provision of services to geriatric populations with cognitive impairment, voice evaluation and therapy, augmentative communication intervention, and rehabilitation of individuals with mild traumatic brain injury and/or polytrauma.

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to perform functions consistent with contemporary speech-language pathology practice within a complex healthcare environment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12.

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

Physical Requirements: The work requires frequent stooping, bending, walking, handling of wheelchairs and lifting in conjunction with treatment of patients.

At times, there may be undue heavy lifting due to unforeseen circumstances such as preventing a patient from falling. Dexterity and skill in safe machinery techniques are required.

The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomforts which require special safety and health precautions, e.g., working regularly with patients and in situations where there is risk of exposure to contagious diseases, odors and/or flammable gases.

The therapist is required to wear protective clothing such as gloves and a mask to prevent disease and the spread of infection Major Duties:

The Speech-:Language Pathologist duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service.

Duties include but are not limited to: Performs functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology practice in a hospital setting.

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.

Performs independent assessment and evaluation of cases that are referred for Speech Pathology Services without limitation as to difficulty or complexity.

Develops plans for a course of therapy to resolve or minimize speech/language/cognitive-related communication conditions that present serious problems to social contacts, educational development or employment opportunities.

Incorporates new clinical procedures enough to perform clinical services independently Conducts assessments, provides treatment interventions, and provides consultation to other health care professionals.

Develops plans for course of therapy to resolve or minimize dysphagia-related conditions to ensure patient can tolerate safest, least restrictive diet.

Incorporates new clinical procedures enough to perform clinical services independently. Has knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation.

Consult with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Documents in the medical record evaluates, diagnosis and clinical opinion, treatment plans, outcomes of treatment, change in function status, and patient/family education.

Performs additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00-5:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:F07640 at GS-11, F07641 at GS-12 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Notifications: Current federal employees must submit copies of their most recent non-award SF50 (notice of personnel action).

The SF50 must identify the position, title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (competitive or excepted).

In some cases, more than one SF50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.