Fee Basis - Speech Language Pathologist

Veterans Health Administration•Reno, NV

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fee Basis Speech Language Pathologist independently provides speech-language pathology assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients referred by appropriate healthcare providers. The role evaluates complex cases using standard and non-standard methods to identify problems and baseline function, and aligns examination findings with patient preferences to develop meaningful plans of care. The clinician applies speech-language pathology theories, principles, and methodologies to treat Veterans with speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders across a wide range of populations. Duties are performed throughout the medical center, including clinical and patient-care areas. The position is fee basis and is scheduled for one day per weekend, approximately two to three weekends per month; specifics are discussed during the interview. Compensation is $85 per consult, re-evaluation, and treatment. Cognitive rehabilitation is excluded unless the treatment lasts one hour. The salary cap is $20,000 per calendar year. This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
A 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.
A full, current, and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated exceptions for graduate SLP appointments and specified research or academic assignments.
Skill in applying contemporary, evidence-based speech-language pathology diagnosis and treatment principles and techniques to adult patients across the full range of speech and patient populations.
Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations.
Ability to assess clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and complete required background/security investigation, onboarding, and application requirements.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and completion of annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening or testing.
Meet the stated physical requirements, including visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity, and capacity for potentially prolonged periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing; patient or object transfers may be required.
Be capable of working effectively in stressful situations and shifting priorities based on patient needs; the work may involve exposure to infected patients, contaminated materials, isolation or operative/invasive procedures, and occasionally combative patients.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Responsibilities

Complete clinical swallow evaluations.
Complete instrumental swallow studies as needed.
Plan and implement swallowing treatment interventions as needed.
Enter consult results and progress notes in the electronic medical record.
Notify the provider of assessment results and recommendations.
Assess and treat Veterans with speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, and swallowing disorders.
Evaluate complex cases using standard and non-standard methods to identify problems and baseline levels of function.
Align examination findings with patient preferences to establish a meaningful plan of care.