Speech-Language Pathologist

Company: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Location: Little Rock
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Summary If you are not a current, permanent VA employee, Federal employee from another agency or VHA Health Professions Trainee, you should apply under CBST-11965685-23-ML. The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Audiology and Speech Pathology Service, is seeking a Speech-Language Pathologist. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service. The primary duty station will be in Little Rock, AR. Responsibilities The duties of the Speech-Language Pathologist in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service include, but are not limited to: Applies 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. Administers and interprets instrumental swallowing evaluations. Assesses the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions. 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. Maintains knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation. Utilizes knowledge of principles and techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia, and cognitive communication disorders. Applies knowledge of principles and techniques used in voice disorders including alaryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patients to perform functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology scope of practice. Exercises independent clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations. Consults with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Documents evaluation, diagnosis and clinical opinion, treatment plans, outcomes of treatment, changes in functional status, and patient/family education in the medical record. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, and advises on diagnosis and treatment. Assists in orientation and training of new staff, supervision of students, trainees, and fellows, and provides feedback on progress toward established educational goals. Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs, and evaluation of existing programs. Maintains patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center. Maintains, supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency. May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent to service/section on medical center, network, or national committees. Incumbent will have and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) including knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of RME. Occasional travel is required for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, driving between the Little Rock and North Little Rock facilities to provide patient care. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-00358-F (GS-12); 598-003587-F (GS-11) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. A current, valid state issued driver's license is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore, please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state issued driver's license at the time of interview and a clean driving record report from the DMV during the online onboarding process. 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. English Language Proficiency. Speech-Language Pathologist (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. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. 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. 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. You must provide a copy of your transcripts showing the degree awarded and conferred date with your application. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of principles and techniques in assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing. 2. Knowledge of instrumentation and technologies for assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. 3. Ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions, needs and goals. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in your resume under the description of duties/tasks you performed in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level). Speech-Language Pathologist, GS-12: Experience. In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-11 grade 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. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. 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. 2. Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations. 3. Ability to assess the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions. (KSAs must be clearly reflected in your resume under the description of duties/tasks you performed in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level). Preferred Experience: Experience working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a medical or rehab setting. Experience working with adults with speech, language, voice or swallowing problems. Experience performing video fluoroscopic and/or endoscopic swallow studies. References. VA Handbook 5005/153, Part II, Appendix G30, Speech-Language Pathologist Qualification Standard, dated September 22, 2022. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. 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. The work is sedentary but also demands light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), standing (variable 1-4 hours), walking (variable 1-4 hours), near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, hearing (aid may be permitted), emotional and mental stability, and ability to drive a vehicle to provide patient care. A current, valid state issued driver's license is required for this position. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service). Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. VHA Health Professions Trainees (HPTs). VHA HPTs pending the completion of education or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. NOTE: This applies to current, past and upcoming VHA HPT graduates only. An HPT is an individual appointed to a temporary position in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation. Trainee academic levels include undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, interns, residents, fellows, and VA advanced fellows; and pre-and post-doctoral fellows. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Keywords: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Little Rock , Speech-Language Pathologist, Healthcare , Little Rock, Arkansas