This position is in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service, Speech Pathology Section, of the Durham VA Health Care System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the Durham VA Health Care System/Garner VA Clinic. This includes all clinically related areas within the service, and other clinical sites of care within the commuting area of primary duty station or as approved by the Service Chief.
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: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency: Psychologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. 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 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. Examples of specialized experience SLPs at this entry developmental grade level assess and treat patients with routine speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders following the principles of evidence-based practice and perform clinical procedures with respect to age-specific, unique patient conditions and needs. Providing assessments and treatment intervention, evaluating and interpreting data. (EVIDENCE OF THIS EXPERIENCE MUST BE DOCUMENTED IN YOUR RESUME) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, 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: Instrumental Swallow Study proficiency is required. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The staff speech pathologist at this level independently completes diagnostic assessments and implements skilled treatment plans across the gamut of communication, swallowing and cognitive-communicative disorders. The speech-language pathologist at this level conducts, plans, and coordinates all clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary speech-language pathology practice including telehealth. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for independent diagnostic assessment and evaluation of cases that are referred to Speech-Language Pathology without limitation as to difficulty or complexity. The incumbent will be Responsible to conduct interviews with the patients and appropriate family members and/or friends, selects, administers and interprets the diagnostic tests necessary to detect and evaluate any type of speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and/or swallowing disorders. Responsible for the adequacy of assessment and for the reporting of the findings to other professional workers with whom he/she or other members of the speech language pathology service may cooperate in formulating diagnostic and clinical judgments; assesses patient condition from close observation and consultation with other members of the inter-disciplinary health care team; and utilizing all diagnostic and evaluative procedures and techniques consistent with contemporary speech- language pathology practice. Responsible for planning, conducting, coordinating, and monitoring the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services to maximize and restore to the greatest extent possible physical and social functioning. Completes all documentation in accordance with facility policy. Remains current with new developments in speech-language pathology and will maintain professional competency by reading professional journals/clinical research. Engages in continuing education activities and professional learning experiences both within the field and interdisciplinary in nature Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm with weekend coverage 1x per month, as needed. Telework: Ad-hoc may available at the discretion of the supervisor Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized