Speech-Language Pathologist

SummaryThe position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - at the Long Beach VA Healthcare System in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service (ASPS). This position works within our newly constructed Community Living Center (CLC). The primary focus is to provide care to CLC residents who require rehabilitation - dementia care - long-term care - and hospice services.QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic Requirements:United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEducation and Experience(1) 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 (2) A doctoral degree in speech-language pathology - communication disorders and sciences or a related field - from an accredited college or universityLicensureIndividuals 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 English Language ProficiencySLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)Grade Determinations: GS-11 Experience: None beyond the basic requirementsKnowledge - 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 goalsGS-12 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 pathologyDemonstrated 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 Preferred Experience: Experience with dysphagia in an acute care setting - competency with modified barium swallow studiesReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12Physical Requirements: This position is mostly sedentary - some walking to/from patient wards and different buildings on campus - some patient positioning and equipment pushing and manipulation is involved.DutiesDuties include but are not limited to: Clinical Responsibilities Develops coherent treatment strategiesIncorporates new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services independentlyConducts assessments - provides treatment interventions - and provides consultation to other health care professionalsHas knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentationHas knowledge of principles and techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems - diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia - and cognitive-communication disordersExercises independent clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions - needs - and expectationsEducation Responsibilities Provides didactic and case-based clinical instruction to fellows - graduate students medical residents - and other professionals throughout the medical centerIn carrying out these responsibilities the incumbent: Assists in orientation and training of new staffKeeps current with theory and practice through continuing education programs - journals - textbooks - and other literature - and in-service programsProvides patient and family educationAdministrative Responsibilities Documents in the medical record the results and interpretation of results of dysphagia and communication evaluations - treatment progress and recommendations - and other additional ancillary recommendationsMaintains patient records and other data required by the clinic - service - and medical centerMaintains - supplies - equipment and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiencyMay be requested to service on service-level committees or task forces or to represent to service/section on medical center - network - or national committeesWork Schedule: Sunday 7AM-11AM - Monday - Thursday - 7:00AM -4:30PM Compressed/Flexible: At Management's Discretion Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized