Speech-Language Pathologist

Veterans Health Administration • Salem, VA

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Speech-Language Pathologist independently assesses and evaluates inpatients and outpatients referred for speech pathology services, without limitation as to difficulty or complexity. The role involves interviewing patients and appropriate family members or friends; selecting, administering, and interpreting diagnostic tests to detect, evaluate, and treat speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders; and reporting findings to other professionals involved in diagnostic and remedial planning. The pathologist uses diagnostic and evaluative procedures common to speech pathology and stays current with developments in the field through professional journals and communication with other professionals. Patient condition is assessed through close observation and consultation with the treatment team.

The pathologist develops and adjusts therapy plans to resolve or minimize speech-related and swallowing conditions, administers tests of voice and speech, and maintains effective therapy relationships with patients, families, and caregivers. The role also includes participating in section- and service-level staff meetings and educational programs, and performing other related duties as assigned.

Work schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program requirements and approval. The full performance level is GS-12.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent in speech-language pathology, communication disorders, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university, plus 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.
• For GS-12 and above grades requiring licensure, hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Demonstrate skill in applying contemporary, evidence-based speech-language pathology diagnosis and treatment principles and techniques for adult patients across the full range of speech and patient populations.
• Demonstrate skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations.
• Demonstrate ability to assess clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions.
• Be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level necessary to perform the job.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, online onboarding, identification requirements, and pre-employment physical examination.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the period.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess and evaluate referred inpatients and outpatients for speech pathology services, regardless of case difficulty or complexity.
• Interview patients and appropriate family members or friends.
• Select, administer, and interpret diagnostic tests to detect, evaluate, and treat speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.
• Ensure assessments are adequate and report findings to professional colleagues involved in diagnostic and remedial decisions.
• Use diagnostic and evaluative procedures common to speech pathology and stay abreast of developments in the field.
• Assess patient condition through close observation and consultation with other members of the treatment team.
• Develop therapy plans to resolve or minimize speech-related and swallowing conditions.
• Administer tests of voice and speech, including assessments of vocal pitch and loudness, rate, disfluency, articulation, and related phonetic and semantic factors.
• Establish and maintain effective therapy relationships with patients, families, and caregivers.
• Adjust treatment plans based on patient response and indicators of progress.
• Participate in section- and service-level staff meetings and educational programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan payment reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior