Speech-Language Pathologist

Description:

The primary purpose of the position is: The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) plans, conducts, and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic assessments and evaluations, and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.

The Organizational Location of the Position is : Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX

Requirements:

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education 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 university.
• License: Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia.

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 :

Speech-Language Pathologist, GS-11

Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of principles and techniques in assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and technologies for assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders.
• Ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions, needs and goals.

Assignments. SLPs at this entry developmental grade level assess and treat patients with routine speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders following the principles of evidence-based practice and perform clinical procedures with respect to age-specific, unique patient conditions and needs. When assessing and treating patients with complex or rare speech, language, voice, cognitive communication and swallowing disorders, SLPs may require consultation with an SLP at the full performance or higher level.

Speech-Language Pathologist, GS-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 pathology.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• 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.
• Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations.
• Ability to assess the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions.

Assignments. This is the full performance level. At this level, SLPs independently provide evidence-based assessment and treatment interventions to individuals with a wide range of speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. Staff SLPs select, administer and interpret standardized and non-standardized assessment measures. They integrate assessment findings into a patient-centered treatment plan of care and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions by collecting and documenting treatment outcomes. SLPs may be assigned to work in a specific clinical area such as traumatic brain injury, head and neck cancer, movement disorders or spinal cord injury. They may provide clinical training experiences for trainees and students and participate in research activities.

Preferred Experience:

• At least one year experience conducting speech, language, cognitive, dysphagia, and voice evaluations. To qualify at the GS11 level, experience may be during an externship placement. To qualify at the GS12 level, experience must be post graduation at the professional level. Alternatively, an applicant may qualify based on education (i.e., Clinical Certificate of Competence (CCC)).
• At least one year experience evaluating and treating for speech, language, cognitive, dysphagia, and voice disorders. To qualify at the GS11 level, experience may be during an externship placement. To qualify at the GS12 level, experience must be post-graduation at the professional level. Alternatively, an applicant may qualify based on education (i.e., Clinical Certificate of Competence (CCC)).
• General experience with the adult or geriatric population preferred.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying 15-44 pounds; Pushing less than 1 hour; Reaching above shoulder; Walking and Standing 2 hours; Repeated bending up to 1 hour.