Speech-Language Pathologist

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service. The incumbent is a staff speech-language pathologist.Duties and Responsibilities:ClinicalIndependently conducts and interprets comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders, including complex and medically involved cases.Plans, implements, and monitors individualized treatment programs designed to restore and optimize communication and swallowing function, tailoring interventions to Veterans' unique goals and needs.Demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical skill in the evaluation and management of dysphagia across the continuum of care, including instrumental assessment and interdisciplinary dysphagia management.Collaborates closely with the interprofessional care team to support timely and coordinated assessment, treatment planning, and safe discharge recommendations.Provides patient, family, and caregiver education to promote understanding of speech-language and swallowing disorders, rehabilitation strategies, and safety in mealtime and communication environments.Utilizes evidence-based practice and current clinical guidelines consistent with VA Speech-Language Pathology qualification standards and scope of practice.Maintains documentation in compliance with VA policies and accrediting body standards, ensuring that communication, assessment results, and clinical outcomes are clearly conveyed to all care team members.Demonstrates competence in the use and application of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, as well as in the management of communication and swallowing needs for tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent Veterans.Develops and adjusts plans of care in collaboration with patients and interdisciplinary providers to ensure measurable progress and meaningful outcomes.This position is ideal for a clinician with strong critical thinking, acute care experience, and a passion for serving Veterans through compassionate, evidence-based practice.EducationProvides education and orientation to Veterans, family members, medical residents, allied health professionals, community organizations, students, and volunteers regarding the role and services of Speech-Language Pathology.Delivers in-service trainings to nursing staff, medical residents, and other allied health professionals on speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing evaluation and treatment procedures to support best practices in acute care.Supervises, mentors, and precepts student trainees and fellows in Speech-Language Pathology, maintaining active collaboration with affiliated colleges and universities to support clinical education and workforce development.Assists with the orientation and training of new Speech-Language Pathology staff to ensure consistency with VA policies, clinical standards, and Veteran-centered care principles.AdministrationParticipates in service-level and interdisciplinary meetings, workgroups, and quality improvement initiatives related to speech-language pathology, dysphagia management, and acute care services.Contributes to the development and review of protocols, clinical pathways, and documentation standards to promote efficiency, safety, and high-quality Veteran care.Assists in tracking clinical outcomes, productivity, and program needs to support service planning, accreditation, and compliance with VA standards and regulatory requirements.Performs other duties as assigned.Work Schedule: Sunday7AM-11AM, Monday - Thursday, 7:00AM -4:30PM, Work schedule may change due to operational needs of service.Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified candidatesPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized