Summary

This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Section of the NWI VAHCS - Omaha VA with primary duties at the NWI Papillion Community Living Center(CLC). The speech-language pathologist at this level plans - conducts - and coordinates diagnostic assessments and evaluations and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for speech - language - voice - fluency - cognitive - and swallowing disorders.

Qualifications

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
• English Language Proficiency: SLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• 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 (see paragraph 2.g.)
• or 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
• 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
• 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: None beyond the basic requirements
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic 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
• 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 (GS-11) 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
• Preferred Experience: Clinical speech pathology experience in VA hospital/clinic is preferred
• Experience with CPRS and/or Cerner EHR preferred
• 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to the following: The incumbent is primarily assigned to the NWI Papillion Community Living Center
• The incumbent provides comprehensive Speech Therapy care to Veterans
• The incumbent is responsible for completing complex evaluation and treatments applying advanced evaluation methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to Veterans with a wide variety of impairments
• Demonstrates competency that qualifies him/her to independently evaluate and treat Veterans referred to Speech Therapy for a variety of reasons and for a wide range of conditions not limited to difficulty with speech - language - voice - cognition and swallowing
• Performs a thorough and comprehensive examination of the referred Veteran
• This includes all procedures and instruments common to the practice of a Speech Pathologist
• this includes the entire spectrum of evaluation techniques for dysphagia (clinical exam - modified barium swallow [MBS] - and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [FEES])
• Independently plans - coordinates - and carries out speech therapy interventions for referred Veterans to restore function - compensate for dysfunction and improve quality of life and independence
• Works closely with the Veteran's provider - dieticians - nursing staff and/or caregivers to coordinate safe feeding programs for Veterans with dysphagia
• This includes providing routine follow up evaluation
• Evaluates the Veteran's needs for assistive devices and adaptive appliances or technology - instructing the Veteran and caregivers on the safe and proper use of these devices
• This can include working with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems and environmental control units
• Receives Veteran referrals from appropriate source and assures that Veterans are scheduled for evaluation and treatment in a timely fashion
• Reviews charts to assess appropriateness of the referrals and possible contraindications for treatment
• Schedules Veterans for treatment - considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team
• Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled Veterans and for family conferences
• Assesses the need for other services and requests referrals as necessary based on subjective and objective evaluation - medical history and response to treatments if performed
• Assures all documentation is done in a timely manner as per documentation policy for all Veteran visits
• Serves as a consultant for other rehabilitation therapists regarding the delivery of Speech Therapy services
• Functions on a multidisciplinary team by communicating directly with team members such as Veteran's primary care provider - nursing personnel - social worker - dietitian - psychologist - and other disciplines involved with the Veteran's care
• Advises and instructs medical center staff regarding care of Veteran's needs and progress
• also providing discharge planning information
• Continues to maintain and learn advanced skills in this area by attending continuing education courses and training when applicable
• Reviews documentation submitted by outside medical providers on behalf of the Veterans - making recommendations to the care team as appropriate
• May provide direct supervision and training to students assigned to the Speech Language Pathology program
• working closely with the student to identify areas of personal interest - strengths - and weaknesses incorporating these factors into established training protocol to assure achievement of training goals and maintenance of Veteran treatment objectives
• The incumbent will be responsible for supervising - mentoring - and precepting student trainees in speech-language pathology and maintaining liaisons with affiliated colleges and universities
• He/she may also provide instruction to residents and interns who seek information relation to speech-language pathology practice
• Maintains required supplies - reporting needed repairs - and maintaining general orderliness of clinic areas to which assigned
• Provides orientation on Speech Language Pathology to Medical Center employees - volunteers - and visitors on request
• The incumbent may perform ancillary assignments - including program management duties on an occasional basis - where the complexity and amount of the work is not substantial
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized