Speech-Language Pathologist

Veterans Health Administration • Buffalo, NY

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides speech-language pathology services in the Speech Therapy Clinics at the VA Western New York Healthcare System, at the Buffalo or Batavia campus, within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. The Speech-Language Pathologist conducts, plans, and coordinates clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of contemporary speech-language pathology services. The role includes independent diagnostic assessment and evaluation of referred cases regardless of difficulty or complexity; patient interviews; selection, administration, and interpretation of diagnostic tests; and communication of assessment findings to other professionals involved in patient care.

The position plans, provides, coordinates, and monitors patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation to maximize and restore physical and social functioning. The therapist develops care plans for swallowing disorders with other health care practitioners, builds effective therapy relationships with patients and caregivers, and adjusts treatment based on patient response and progress. The role also serves as a consultant on complex cases and as a subject matter expert in speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. The schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under applicable law.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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 to practice speech-language pathology in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• For GS-11: knowledge of principles and techniques for assessing and treating speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders; knowledge of assessment and treatment instrumentation and technologies; and ability to adapt procedures and techniques to patient conditions, needs, and goals.
• For GS-12: one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level, in addition to basic requirements, and a full, current, and unrestricted license.
• For GS-12: skill in evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of adult patients across the full range of speech disorders and patient populations; skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations; and ability to assess clinical outcomes and adapt procedures to individual patient conditions.
• Complete required background/security investigation, onboarding, pre-employment physical examination, identification, application documentation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Meet physical demands that include frequent stooping, bending, walking, handling wheelchairs, and lifting; occasional heavy lifting may be necessary in unforeseen circumstances.
• Use dexterity and safe machinery techniques and observe safety precautions while working with patients and potential exposure to contagious diseases, odors, or flammable gases; wear protective clothing such as gloves and a mask.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in acute care.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess and evaluate referred patients with speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, or swallowing disorders, without limitation as to case complexity.
• Interview patients and appropriate family members or friends; select, administer, and interpret diagnostic tests.
• Report assessment findings to other professionals and collaborate with interdisciplinary health care team members in diagnostic and clinical judgments.
• Use diagnostic and evaluative procedures consistent with contemporary speech-language pathology practice.
• Plan, conduct, coordinate, and monitor patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation, evaluating clinical outcomes to maximize and restore physical and social functioning.
• Administer and interpret tests of speech, language, voice, fluency, and cognition, including assessments of vocal characteristics, disfluency, articulation, and related phonetic and semantic factors.
• Develop comprehensive care plans for swallowing disorders in collaboration with other health care practitioners.
• Establish and maintain effective therapy relationships with patients, families, and caregivers, and adjust treatment plans in response to patient progress.
• Consult with facility personnel on difficult and complex cases and serve as a subject matter expert in speech-language pathology disorders.
• Maintain professional competency through professional journals, continuing education, professional learning, and communication with other professionals.
• Manage patient scheduling, assessment, goal setting, patient education, treatment implementation, and discharge planning for speech therapy referrals.
• Perform and interpret tests and measurements of patient status to formulate comprehensive treatment plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Prior federal or military service may be credited toward annual leave accrual if requested and approved before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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