This position is in the Speech Pathology Department. Duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the PM&R service. Evaluates patients and develops functional therapy plans using standardized assessments, clinical assessments, instrumental evaluations (i.e., deglutition studies, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, video laryngoscopy, etc.).

Duties

Clinical- The incumbent has knowledge of the principles and techniques used in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia, voice disorders including, but not limited to laryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patients, and cognitive-communication disorders. The speech language pathologist has knowledge of the instrumentation needed for SLP assessment and treatment, will utilize evidence-based speech language pathology clinical practices to incorporate new clinical techniques and procedures into the development of coherent treatment strategies and services provided. The speech language pathologist will have and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) including knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of Reusable Medical Equipment used in their clinical practice. The incumbent will utilize pertinent developed protocols, recognize any contraindications or precautions, and modify treatment as needed for patient's changing medical condition(s). The incumbent will refer to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. Additionally, the incumbent provides patient/family education as part of planned treatment progress regarding utilization of devices, safety, therapeutic exercises, and rehabilitation potential. Documentation of all care will be completed in accordance with local directives, guidelines, and JCAHO standards. Assists with clinical management of consults, including consideration for referral to community care for initial or ongoing care requests. Educational- The incumbent self-identifies their continuing educational needs, keeps abreast of advances in the field, and ensures that they provide care in accordance with current research and contemporary speech language pathology practice. Maintains an active license to practice Speech Language Pathology. Offers interdepartmental and intradepartmental in-services, attends, and participates in department and section in services, medical center educational offerings, annual mandatory training, and professional conferences and workshops. Assists in the assignment, supervision, and development/refinement of training programs for pre-speech pathology students, volunteers, and/or aides. The incumbent is given the authority to develop and provide individualized clinical training experiences for, and independently provide clinical oversight of, students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral SLP Programs. The incumbent will participate in research activities pertinent to speech-language pathology. Interprets and explains speech language pathology programs to patients, residents, medical/nursing staff, allied health professionals, students, volunteers, visiting public and VASNHCS officials. Administrative- The incumbent is responsible for completing all encounters for workload (patient care) in accordance with national and local directives and guidelines, including correct CPT and diagnosis code usage. The incumbent ensures inventory and supplies needed for patient care are maintained and follows departmental procedures for the ordering and re-ordering of supplies. The incumbent consistently follows all department administrative processes, including but not limited to, scheduling, patient check-in, check out, prosthetic item ordering, and maintains current knowledge of all applicable directives and SOPs. Attends PMRS and departmental staff meetings, and shares ideas and concerns regarding the Rehabilitation Department with peers and supervisor. Participates in speech language pathology program development, which may include, but is not limited to, construct or refine speech language pathology programs, evaluation forms, consult templates, policies, protocols, and directives, including the use of system redesign principles and methods as needed. Compiles and submits statistical reports, reviews of research, develops and supports QI indicators, and conducts QI audits related to Speech Language Pathology as requested by the Supervisor, ACOS of PMRS, and/or VASNHCS. Carries out other job-related activities and special assignments as requested by the Supervisor, ACOS of PMRS and/or VASNHCS. Work Schedule: TBD - Based on the needs of the Clinic Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 654-40254-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) and VA Policy. Education and Experience. (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. 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Speech-Language Pathologist, GS-12: (1) 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. (2) 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: As outlined in the VA Handbook 5005/153, Part II, Appendix G30 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 30 pounds. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. SLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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 VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System 975 Kirman Avenue Reno, NV 89502 US
• Name: Mari Hartman
• Email: [email protected]