The Speech-Language Pathologist must demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contemporary speech-language pathology practice, specifically regarding assessment and management of patients presenting with complex and difficult to treat aphasia and communication disorders as a result of neurological etiology (e.g. stroke, TBI). The incumbent is responsible for directing the program of clinical service for patients with aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders who required advanced management.

Duties

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 03672F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in diagnosis and treatment of patients with aphasia and complex neurogenic communication disorders; directing Speech-Language Pathology Service Aphasia Rehabilitation Program by leading clinical treatment, clinical education, and staff training activities for patients, family members, speech-language pathology staff, and other clinical staff who coordinate care for patients with aphasia and complex neurogenic communication disorders; maintaining a collaborative clinical program with the NCHCS services such as neurology, neuropsychology, primary care, home-based primary care services, and other related services whose providers treat patients who have aphasia and complex neurogenic communication disorders; and collecting and analyzing data to improve program operations and functional outcomes. The incumbent is expected to maintain professional relationships with regional and national programs and organizations that have the specialty focus of aphasia rehabilitation and other neurogenic communication needs (e.g. ALS). Duties of the position include, but are not limited to: Uses advanced knowledge in the focused area of aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders assessment and management in contemporary speech-language pathology to make clinical decisions and patient management recommendations. Provides quarterly reports to staff on the status and outcomes of the Aphasia Rehabilitation Program, ensuring that program objectives are achieved and that the status of the program is monitored. Ensures that best practices in aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders including assessment, treatment and clinical problem-solving are implemented across the facility by (1) educating other staff members in evidence-based treatment approaches and use of augmentative and alternative communication systems and supportive technologies, (2) expanding access to treatment for rural and homebound populations, and (3) providing outcome assessment. Oversees assessment and treatment for patients with aphasia and complex communication disorders and participates in coordination of care between the Aphasia Rehabilitation Program, ASPS staff, HBPC, Neurology and Neuropsychology service, and other VANCHS clinical services providing care for patients with aphasia and complex communication disorders. Makes program adjustments as needed for the continued success of the program. Provides direct supervision and training to Speech Pathology Interns in areas of aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders. Provides group treatment for veterans in a variety of formats to meet patient needs Gathers clinical and program outcome measures for the Aphasia Rehabilitation Program Coordinates and provides in-services for speech-language pathology staff, audiology staff, and other related clinical service staff on assessment and management of aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders. Provides clinical guidance as requested by speech-language pathology staff regarding assessment and treatment for patients with aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders. Leads or participates in interdisciplinary collaboration with other medical services regarding treatment for veterans with aphasia and neurogenic communication disorders. Completes comprehensive evaluations including case history, review of imaging studies (MRI, CT), care partner reports, quality of life measures (e.g., CPIB), and communication stimulability testing. Demonstrates advanced skill in assessment and treatment of patients with complex aphasia disorders (e.g., establishing effective communication system for patient with global aphasia or primary progressive aphasia). Participates in VA wide collaborations with clinics focused on aphasia rehabilitation (e.g., PARTNeR, PIRATE at VA Pittsburgh). Provides treatment in face-to-face clinic and through telehealth, including the VVC connect platform. Develops and expands telehealth assessment and management Participates in research regarding aphasia assessment and management, as appropriate. Develops and expands curriculum CFY/Residency Program. Develops and expands goals and objectives for CFY/Residency Program. Develops and expands procedures and policies related to the CFY/Residency Program. Other duties as assigned by management.

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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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 in speech-language pathology. Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. 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: Speech-Language Pathologist (Clinical Specialist), GS-13 Experience/Education. In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-12 level, completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and completion of one or more of the following: Board certification such as BRS-S Disorders or BC-ANCDS; OR Completion of a residency or fellowship post-graduate degree; OR College credits (three or more courses) above the graduate degree in the areas relevant to the advance practice. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Advanced knowledge in a focused area of contemporary speech pathology practice for contemporary and evidence-based practice in differential diagnosis and treatment. Skill in interpreting advanced specialized clinical management programs in focused areas of contemporary speech-language pathology practice. Ability to provide consultation and continuing education in a specific SLP disorder area. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G30 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

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 Northern California Health Care System 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 US
• Name: Frances Medina
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]