This Speech-Language Pathologist position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service of the Veteran's Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), covering part of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri states requiring experience working in a medical hospital setting with patients who have complex medical needs. Work encompasses traveling to the in-patient unit and with the Home Base primary care team to patients' home on occasion.
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. 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. 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: (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: Experience in administering and interpreting barium swallow evaluations and or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) test Experience in myofascial manual release. 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 Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The duties of the Speech-Language Pathologist include but are not limited to: Responsible for independent diagnostic assessment of cases referred for Speech Pathology Services without limitation as to difficulty or complexity. Conducts interviews with the patients, family members, and caretaker, selects, administers, and interprets the diagnostic test to determine speech, language, communicative, cognitive, voice, and swallowing disorders. Responsible for the adequacy and thoroughness of the assessment and reporting findings to medical staff or care team to formulate care plan. Provides therapy and maintains an effective therapy relationship with the patient, family, and caregivers to adjust therapy plan in accordance with patient progress and changing needs. Monitors home bound veterans with complex medical conditions who are enrolled in the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program or the primary care multi-disciplinary care panel. Participates in patient case management meetings and to travel to veterans' home with the HBPC team when needed. Travels to other VA medical facilities to provide services. Manages inpatient and outpatient service requests daily. Reviews relevant clinical notes to better understand veterans' conditions and needs when determining appointment length for veterans. Coordinates with scheduling staff or the community service office to ensure services are scheduled Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Available - Ad hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-00671-F, 564-00670-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.