Speech-Language Pathologist

Veterans Health Administration • Cleveland, OH

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting a Speech-Language Pathologist in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service. The role provides inpatient care, primarily in the Community Living Center (CLC), with intermittent coverage on medicine floors, as well as outpatient care. The position may expand to include FEES studies at selected Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

The Speech-Language Pathologist independently assesses patients, identifies communication and swallowing disorders, and develops and delivers evidence-based, patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation plans in collaboration with other healthcare practitioners. The position is full-time at the current location, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where non-citizen appointment is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• A master's degree or equivalent in speech-language pathology, communication disorders, or a directly related field from an accredited institution, plus one year of creditable experience; or a doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders and sciences, or a related field.
• A full, current, and unrestricted speech-language pathology license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated exceptions for graduate SLP appointments and qualifying research or academic assignments.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For GS-11: knowledge of principles and techniques for assessing and treating speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders; knowledge of relevant instrumentation and technologies; and ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to patients' conditions, needs, and goals.
• For GS-12: one year of professional experience comparable to the GS-11 level and a full, current, unrestricted license to practice speech-language pathology.
• For GS-12: skill in evidence-based diagnosis and treatment across adult patient populations; skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations; and ability to assess clinical outcomes and adapt procedures to individual patient conditions.
• Meet applicable qualification requirements within 30 calendar days of the announcement closing date.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation; complete onboarding and required application documentation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete a 1- or 2-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after the trial period.
• Comply with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.

Responsibilities

• Independently conduct diagnostic assessments and evaluations of cases without limitation as to difficulty or complexity.
• Interview patients and caregivers.
• Administer and interpret diagnostic tests to detect and evaluate speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.
• Ensure assessments are adequate and report findings to other professional workers.
• Plan, conduct, coordinate, and monitor patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation services to maximize or restore physical and social functioning.
• Develop comprehensive plans of care for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders in collaboration with other healthcare practitioners.
• Provide inpatient care, primarily in the CLC, with intermittent coverage on medicine floors, and provide outpatient care.
• Potentially perform FEES studies at selected CBOCs as the role expands.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other applicable conditions.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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