Speech Language Pathologist

SummaryA recruitment or relocation incentive may be approved for a highly qualified applicant This is an open continuous announcement until April 6 - 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.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 PolicyLicensure: The incumbent must hold a full - current - and unrestricted license in a State - Territory - Commonwealth - or the District of ColumbiaEducation and Experience: 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 or A doctoral degree in speech-language pathology - communication disorders and sciences or a related field - from an accredited college or universitycIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs identified for the assignmentAssignment: Staff Speech-Language PathologistStaff S-LPs at this grade level must demonstrate professional knowledge of - and skill in applying - a wide range of theories - principles - and methodologies of the practice of speech-language pathology to a wide range of populationsIndividuals may perform ancillary assignments - including program management duties on an occasional basis - where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the time)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)Speech-Language Pathologist - GS-12 Grade Requirements: (1) ExperienceIn 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 pathology The following KSAs are required: Ability to develop coherent treatment strategiesAbility to incorporate new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services independentlyAbility to conduct assessments - provide treatment interventions - and provide consultation to other health care professionalsKnowledge of instrumentation used in speech-language pathologyKnowledge of principles and techniques used in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems - diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia - and cognitive-communication disordersKnowledge of principles and techniques used in voice disorders including alaryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patientsAbility to perform functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology practicePreferred Experience: Acute inpatient experience - outpatient experience - has knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation FEES and VFSS - has knowledge of principles and techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems - diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia - and cognitive communication disordershas experience in patients with TBIReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019DutiesThe incumbent serves as a staff Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&R) - at the VACCHCS FresnoThe SLP is a therapist who identifies - diagnoses - and provides speech/language/cognitive retraining therapy for all appropriately referred inpatients - outpatients - and Community Living Center (CLC) patientsIncumbent is a staff speech-language pathologist and performs functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology practiceIn carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this position - the incumbent: Uses a wide range of knowledge of - and skill in applying - a wide range theories - principles - and methodologies in the practice of speech-language pathology to a wide range of populationsDevelops 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 disordersHas knowledge of principles and techniques used in voice disorders including alaryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patients to perform functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology scope of practiceExercises independent clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions - needs - and expectationsConsults with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatmentDocuments in the medical record: evaluates - diagnosis and clinical opinion - treatment plans - outcomes of treatment - changes in functional status - and patient/family educationAttends interdisciplinary team meetingsParticipates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient - advises on diagnosis and treatmentProvides orientation/training of medical staffAssists in orientation and training of new staffAssists in the training and supervision of students - trainees - and fellows - providing feedback on progress toward established educational goalsKeeps current with theory and practice through continuing education programs - journals - textbooks - and other literature - and in-service programsProvides patient and family education including informed consentParticipates in developing guidelines and protocols - new patient programs - and evaluation of existing programsMaintains 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 committeesMay perform ancillary assignments - including program management duties on an occasional basis - where the complexity and amount of work is not substantialFollows applicable informed consent - HIPAA rules on privacy and protecting patient rightsWork Schedule: Monday through Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 08938-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized