• Diagnose deficits of speech, language and cognition through the selective use of specialized test instruments; administer appropriate diagnostic tests and instrumental assessments; analyze and interpret test results.
• Prepare report of diagnostic evaluation; record patients' daily performance and therapeutic procedures utilized; generate consults for referral to other services and prepare narrative summary upon discharge of patient.
• Provide individual and group therapy related to the communication, motor speech, and cognitive deficits.
• Provide training guidance and assistance to junior staff clinicians through review of clinical documentation, patient staffing and, as required, direct observation of clinical procedures.
• Counsel the patient regarding the effects of brain injury, neurologic diseases, and medical and/or surgical procedures on communication and cognition. Explain therapeutic procedures.

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• Moderate to heavy lifting up to 30 pounds may be required.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• Tuberculosis testing is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• Applicants must be able to fulfill credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate/relevant clinical privileges.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirements for Speech/ Language Pathologist:

Education: Successful completion of a graduate or higher-level degree that included 18 semester hours in the field of speech pathology with approved clinical practice. The education program must have been approved, recognized, or accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) at the time the degree was obtained.

License: This position requires a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice Speech Language Pathology in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes delivering speech therapy services; formulating treatment plans for speech disorders; and speech therapy counseling patients. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.