Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens - Facility Emplyees will be given first consideration. Veterans will be reviewed first from external applicants. Veteran's Preference rules will apply. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the facility including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service.

Speech Language Pathologist, GS-11 major duties:

• Using knowledge of principles and techniques in speech-language pathology, ability to interpret data.
• Conducting interviews with the patients and family members/caregiver and communicating effectively with patients and caregivers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Functioning as a constructive member of a team.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia.
• Have knowledge and ability to develop and implement a comprehensive plan of care for patients with communication and swallowing disorders enrolled into treatment/management. The treatment plan is developed in conjunction with the patient, family/caregiver and health care practitioners and adjusted based on functional change.
• Consult with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
• Assists with providing in-services to medical staff who seek information regarding speech ­language pathology practice.
• Participate in performance improvement and clinical research activities pertinent to speech ­language pathology with concurrence of the Section Chief.
• Perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of the work is not substantial. May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent service/section on local, network, or national committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Speech Language Pathologist, GS-12 major duties:

• Uses a wide range of knowledge and skill in applying a broad spectrum of theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of speech-language pathology to diverse populations;
• Develops coherent treatment strategies;
• Incorporates new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services independently;
• Conducts assessments, provides treatment interventions, and provides consultation to other health care professionals;
• Has knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation;
• Has knowledge of the principles and techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia;
• Has knowledge of the principles and techniques used in the treatment of speech, language and cognitive-communication disorders, including those resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and polytrauma;
• 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 and training of medical and clinical 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 literature, and in-service programs;
• Provides patient and family education including informed consent.
• Adheres to infection control practices while using equipment and providing patient care;
• May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent the service/section on facility, network, or national committees;
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm, Extended hours based on service needs. Weekend hours may be required.
Telework: Telework Eligible (Ad- Hoc)
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 72275F and 70179F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

(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.
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).

• 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.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

Speech Language Pathologist, GS-11.

(1) 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:

2 years experience within the VA system of care.
3-5 years experience working with individuals with Brain Injury/Polytrauma.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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 Demands: Incumbent will be required to walk to various clinics or units within the hospital, sit/stand at a desk or table and type on a computer. The incumbent will follow the instructions per the VHA and local Radiation Safety Handbook while in the radiology suite.

How you will be evaluated

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

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Area of Consideration. Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.

2. All other VA employees.

3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

4. All other applicants.

Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies but will be applied to all other applicants.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.