The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center. The SLP is defined as the professional who engages in professional practice in the areas of communication and swallowing across the life span. They are directly responsible for the administration and coordination of Speech Language Pathology services provided to Veterans in both the inpatient and outpatient settings provided at the main facility and Home Based Primary Care.

Duties

The following specific duties, and any others deemed necessary, will be provided by the Speech Language Pathologist:Major duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical: Screening/Assessment/Treatment - The incumbent uses a wide range of knowledge and skill in applying theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of speech-language pathology to the Veteran population in both the inpatient and outpatient settings SLPs are experts at screening individuals for possible communications, hearing, and /or feeding and swallowing disorders. SLPs have knowledge of, and skills to treat these disorders. They can design and implement effective screening programs and make appropriate referrals. These screenings facilitate referral for appropriate follow-up in a timely and cost-effective manner. Communication includes speech production and fluency, language, cognition, voice, resonance, and hearing. Swallowing includes all aspects of swallowing including related to performing diagnostic evaluations (i.e. Bedside swallow evaluations, Modified Barium Swallows, and Speech Therapy modalities etc.). The incumbent facilitates and prioritizes referrals based upon assessment/clinical needs of Veterans. The assessment process can include but is not limited to; culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral observation, standardized and/or criterion-referenced tools, use of instrumentation, review of records, case history, prior test results, and interview of the individual and/or family, to guide decision making. Treatment establishes a new skill or ability or remediates or restores an impaired skill or ability. The goal of therapy is to improve an individual's functional outcomes. 1.Develops coherent treatment strategies; 2.Incorporates new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services independently; 3.Conducts assessments, provides treatment interventions, and provides consultation to other health care professionals; 4.Has knowledge of speech-language pathology instrumentation. Selects and uses appropriate instruments; 5. Has knowledge of principles and techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia, and cognitive-communication disorders; 6. Has knowledge of principles and techniques used in voice disorders including laryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patients to perform functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology scope of practice; 7. Exercises independent clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations; 8. Consults with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment; 9. Documents in the medical record: evaluations, methods of evaluations, diagnosis, clinical opinion, treatment plans, outcomes of treatment, changes in functional status, and patient/family education; 10. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment; 11. Develops screening procedures and tools based on existing evidence; 12. Uses endoscopy, video fluoroscopy, and other instrumentation to assess aspects of voice, resonance, velopharyngeal function and swallowing; 13. Documents assessment and trial results for selecting AAC interventions and technology, including speech-generating devices (SGDs); Administration: 1. Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs, and evaluation of existing programs; 2. Maintains patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center; 3. Maintains, supplies, equipment and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency; 4. May perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial; 5. May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent to service/section on medical center, network, or national committees. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00 8:am to 4:30pm Telework: ADHOC Telework that occurs on an occasional, non-routine basis. Telework that occurs to complete short-term special assignments or to accommodate special circumstances even though the telework arrangement may occur continuously for a limited and specific period of time. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Addition Location: Greenwood CBOC/Home Based Primary Care

Requirements

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. Education: 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). Grade Determinations: 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. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: 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. 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/153, PART II , APPENDIX G30 - Dated 09/22/2022. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Stand for long periods of time while repeating same movements or walking. Bending and twisting body to lift, push, and pull light weight objects. Lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Stand for as much as 85% of work time. Reach above shoulder level in order to perform work. Move, adjust, and manipulate a variety of equipment. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Robley Rex VA Medical Center 800 Zorn Avenue Louisville, KY 40206 US
• Name: Keyona Browning
• Phone: 615-225- 6489
• Email: [email protected]