Speech-Language Pathologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System seeks a Speech-Language Pathologist (GS-12) to plan and coordinate diagnostic assessments and therapeutic services across the Audiology & Speech Pathology Service. You will treat adults with speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive and swallowing disorders, and may use FEES and AAC systems to support evaluation and treatment.

Responsibilities include evidence-based practice, outcomes assessment, and interprofessional collaboration in a

Qualifications

• Master's or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution.
• Full, current, unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. state.
• English proficiency in speech and writing.
• U.S. citizenship or grandfathering eligibility per VA policy.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and coordinate diagnostic assessments and therapeutic services for speech-language pathology.
• Provide rehabilitative services for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.
• Apply evidence-based practices across adult and patient populations.
• Operate within Audiology & Speech Pathology service across clinical areas.

Skills

Diagnostic assessments

Instrumental swallowing evaluations

Clinical outcomes assessment

Education

Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Doctoral degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Tools

FEES instrumentation

AAC systems knowledge

Job description

This position is located in the Audiology & Speech Pathology Service within the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology & Speech Pathology service. The incumbent 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. 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. (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 university.
• Licensure. Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia.
• English Language Proficiency. SLP 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

Experience GS-12: 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).

• (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

Ideal candidate will have speech-language pathology experience with the adult population, including diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia and cognitive-communication disorders across the full scope of medical speech pathology. Knowledge and familiarity of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) instrumentation is preferred; additional training may be provided.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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

Physical Requirements

Work is primarily sedentary, but requires walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for objects on shelves. On occasion, work may require assisting patient by tugging, lifting, or pushing the patient in a wheelchair or stretcher to maneuver within the clinical or testing environment.