Speech-Language Pathologist
What you'd do
This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, including an acute care hospital and community living center. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the service.
Major duties
Function/Scope of Duties include but are not limited to: Has knowledge and ability to screen patient's communication and swallow function and recommend additional assessments or referrals. Has knowledge and ability to assess and treat patients with speech, language, voice, cognitive communication and swallowing disorders following the principles of evidence-based practice. Has knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation for assessment and treatment including videofluroscopy. Uses knowledge of principles and techniques in speech-language pathology and ability to interpret data. Communicates effectively with patients and families. Communicates effectively verbally and in writing. Functions as a constructive member of a team and has knowledge of principles and techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Has knowledge and ability to develop, implement comprehensive treatment plans acquired through education and experience to perform evaluation and treatment of patients. Exercises clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations. Consults with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Documents in the medical record: evaluations, diagnosis and clinical opinion, treatment plans, outcomes of treatment, changes in functional status, and patient/family education. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment. Perform duties in a variety of settings including hospital wards, outpatient and telehealth. Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61912F, 61909F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
Applicants 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 Policy. Education: A master's degree, or its equivalent, in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a related field, from an accredited college or university. "Accredited" means a college or university [recognized] by a regional accreditation organization and an audiology or speech- language pathology program [recognized] by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). English Language Proficiency: Speech and Language Pathologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. Licensure: Candidates must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a 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. (2) The requirement for licensure may be waived by the Under Secretary for Health or designee in VHA Central Office for individuals engaged in research or academic assignments involving no direct patient care duties, in accordance with current activities. (3) An SLP who has, or ever has had their speech-language pathology license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or issued/placed on probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. 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 and Experience: In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-9 level, completion of one year of professional experience as a SLP equivalent to the next lower level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience 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 goals. Preferred Experience: We are looking for a Speech Language Pathologist to provide inpatient and outpatient services to include Modified Barium Swallows, Standardized Aphasia Testing and Treatment, and Cognitive Testing and treatment. Grade Determinations: Speech-Language Pathologist, GS-12 Education and Experience: In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-11 level, completion of one year of professional experience as a SLP equivalent to the next lower level. Demonstrated 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Light lifting under 15 pounds, light carrying under 15 pounds, both hands required, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, working closely with others, use of PPE/germicidal hand washing agents.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.