NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service. The incumbent is a staff speech-language pathologist.
Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. 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 (see paragraph 2.g.). OR A doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders and sciences or a related field, from an accredited college or university. c. 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. d. Failure to Obtain Licensure. In all cases, graduate SLP must actively pursue obtaining the required licensure from the date of their appointment. The Human Resource office staff will provide the unlicensed SLP written requirement to obtain licensure, the date by which the license must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. The written notice must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date. Failure to obtain the required credentials by the prescribed date may result in termination of employment. e. Loss of Credential. Management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff, must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the occupation who fail to maintain the required certification, both current and in good standing, which may result in separation from employment. An SLP who has, or has ever had, their SLP license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. f. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) SLPs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If SLPs who are retained under this provision leave the occupation, they will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. (3) SLPs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment. (4) SLPs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. g. 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. Grade Determinations: Speech-Language Pathologist GS-11 (1) Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) 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. (3) Assignment. 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. When assessing and treating patients with complex or rare speech, language, voice, cognitive communication and swallowing disorders, SLPs may require consultation with an SLP at the full performance or higher level. Speech-Language Pathologist GS-12 (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) Assignment. This is the full performance level. At this level, SLPs independently provide evidence-based assessment and treatment interventions to individuals with a wide range of speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. Staff SLPs select, administer and interpret standardized and non-standardized assessment measures. They integrate assessment findings into a patient-centered treatment plan of care and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions by collecting and documenting treatment outcomes. SLPs may be assigned to work in a specific clinical area such as traumatic brain injury, head and neck cancer, movement disorders or spinal cord injury. They may provide clinical training experiences for trainees and students and participate in research activities. Preferred Experience: At least three years of clinical experience in a medical speech-language pathology setting, with demonstrated competency in MBS/VFSS, FEES, videostroboscopy, and/or TEP management. Reference: For 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.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical Independently conducts and interprets comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders, including complex and medically involved cases. Plans, implements, and monitors individualized treatment programs designed to restore and optimize communication and swallowing function, tailoring interventions to Veterans' unique goals and needs. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical skill in the evaluation and management of dysphagia across the continuum of care, including instrumental assessment and interdisciplinary dysphagia management. Collaborates closely with the interprofessional care team to support timely and coordinated assessment, treatment planning, and safe discharge recommendations. Provides patient, family, and caregiver education to promote understanding of speech-language and swallowing disorders, rehabilitation strategies, and safety in mealtime and communication environments. Utilizes evidence-based practice and current clinical guidelines consistent with VA Speech-Language Pathology qualification standards and scope of practice. Maintains documentation in compliance with VA policies and accrediting body standards, ensuring that communication, assessment results, and clinical outcomes are clearly conveyed to all care team members. Demonstrates competence in the use and application of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, as well as in the management of communication and swallowing needs for tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent Veterans. Develops and adjusts plans of care in collaboration with patients and interdisciplinary providers to ensure measurable progress and meaningful outcomes. This position is ideal for a clinician with strong critical thinking, acute care experience, and a passion for serving Veterans through compassionate, evidence-based practice. Education Provides education and orientation to Veterans, family members, medical residents, allied health professionals, community organizations, students, and volunteers regarding the role and services of Speech-Language Pathology. Delivers in-service trainings to nursing staff, medical residents, and other allied health professionals on speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing evaluation and treatment procedures to support best practices in acute care. Supervises, mentors, and precepts student trainees and fellows in Speech-Language Pathology, maintaining active collaboration with affiliated colleges and universities to support clinical education and workforce development. Assists with the orientation and training of new Speech-Language Pathology staff to ensure consistency with VA policies, clinical standards, and Veteran-centered care principles. Administration Participates in service-level and interdisciplinary meetings, workgroups, and quality improvement initiatives related to speech-language pathology, dysphagia management, and acute care services. Contributes to the development and review of protocols, clinical pathways, and documentation standards to promote efficiency, safety, and high-quality Veteran care. Assists in tracking clinical outcomes, productivity, and program needs to support service planning, accreditation, and compliance with VA standards and regulatory requirements. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Sunday7AM-11AM, Monday - Thursday, 7:00AM -4:30PM, Work schedule may change due to operational needs of service. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized