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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Speech-Language Pathologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tacoma, Washington, us, 98417

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Overview

Speech-Language Pathologist role at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Location: VA Puget Sound Health Care System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the service. Responsibilities

Conduct, plan, and coordinate all clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary speech-language pathology practice to young adults (18-40 years), middle adults (41-64 years), and older adults (65+ years) veterans to determine current levels of functioning. Apply knowledge and skills in a developmental setting using established concepts, principles, and methodology. Independent diagnostic assessment and evaluation of cases referred to Speech-Language Pathology, including interviewing patients and family members, selecting, administering, and interpreting diagnostic tests to detect and evaluate speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and/or swallowing disorders. Ensure the adequacy of assessment and reporting findings to other professional workers; collaborate in formulating diagnostic and clinical judgments; observe patient condition and consult with the interdisciplinary health care team; utilize diagnostic and evaluative procedures and techniques consistent with contemporary speech-language pathology practice. Plan, conduct, coordinate, and monitor the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services to maximize and restore physical and social functioning. Administer a full range of tests of speech, language, voice, fluency, and cognition. Knowledge of AAC systems, dysphagia diagnosis and treatment, cognitive-communication disorders, and voice disorders including alaryngeal and tra ch/ventilator-dependent patients to perform practices within contemporary SLP scope of practice. Develop an effective and comprehensive plan of care for swallowing disorders in collaboration with other health care practitioners; establish and maintain an effective therapy relationship with patients, families and caregivers; adjust treatment plans based on patient response and progress indicators. May visit a patient’s home or workplace with family and/or patient to prepare for discharge or assess suitability as indicated. Consistently practice infection control in all situations. Education/Professional Development

Remain current with new developments in speech-language pathology; maintain professional competency through continuing education, reading journals, and professional learning experiences; communicate with other professionals. Orient patients, medical residents, allied health professionals, community organizations, students and volunteers to the purpose and function of speech pathology. Supervise, mentor, and precept student trainees and fellows in speech-language pathology; maintain liaisons with affiliated colleges and universities. Assist in orientation and training of new staff. Provide patient and family education relating to cognitive, speech, voice, communication & swallowing abilities. Administrative

May perform ancillary assignments including program management duties of modest complexity. Participate in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs, and evaluation of existing programs. Participate in data collection for quality improvement monitors and outcome measures related to Speech Pathology services. May serve on service-level committees or task forces or represent the service on medical center, network, or national committees. Track and submit monthly statistics related to patient visits and workload as requested by Speech Pathology Program Leadership. Follow all applicable laws, regulations and policies regarding confidentiality, computer security and software licensing; protect hardware, software and sensitive information. Work Schedule : To be determined; may include occasional weekends if needed. Compressed/Flexible : May be authorized at the discretion of the supervisor.

Telework : Not Available.

Virtual : This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement # : 000000.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized.

PCS : Not Authorized. Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable forms of identification for pre-employment requirements. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for VA Health Care Personnel. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 1-2 year trial period with evaluation of performance and fitness to advance public interest; completion of trial period may lead to termination unless certification of continued employment is provided in writing. Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: United States Citizenship:

Non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens are not available, per VA policy. English Language Proficiency:

Proficient in spoken and written English. Education:

A master’s degree in speech-language pathology or related field plus one year of creditable experience, or a doctoral degree in speech-language pathology or related field (transcript with confer date required). Foreign education must be evaluated for creditability. Licensure:

Full, current, unrestricted license to practice speech-language pathology in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. GRADE DETERMINATIONS : GS-12:

Experience: One year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and a full, current, unrestricted license. KSAs include: Skill in applying diagnosis and treatment principles of contemporary SLP with evidence-based practice for adults across the full spectrum of speech and related disorders. Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations. Ability to assess clinical outcomes and adapt procedures to patient conditions. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

3 years clinical experience in a medical SLP program; competency with FEES, Video Stroboscopy, and/or TEP management. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), various physical activities, vision and hearing requirements, and environmental factors typical for clinical settings. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. Notes:

Education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions; foreign education requires evaluation.

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