This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, California. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Speech Pathology Service.

Duties

Duties: The Health Technician supports the function of the clinical programs in Speech Pathology. The incumbent is a staff health technician (Speech Pathology) under the supervision of a GS-12 Speech Pathologist or above. On-the-job training is anticipated for the incumbent of this position. Primary responsibility is for patient care, supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient charting and patient education, which do not require full professional speech pathology education or knowledge and skills represented by speech pathology licensure. Support functions include both direct patient care and administrative duties. Direct patient care duties may include, but not limited to the following: Greeting and escorting patients Triaging patients to a Speech Pathologist based on the patient's needs and nature and complexity of the procedures being completed Set-up, support and involvement in procedures including fluoroscopic swallow evaluation, rigid and flexible endoscopy, tracheostomy phonatory valve assessment and management, expiratory muscle strength training. Preparing assessment batteries, tools and therapeutic materials for communication and cognitive-linguistic evaluations and treatments. Participating and assisting in assessment and treatment for use of augmentative, alternative and environmental computerized communication systems and assistive cognitive devices. Patient instruction and education on communication, cognitive and swallowing disorders and assistive communication aids, either on an individual basis or in a group setting. Administering speech, language, dysphagia, voice and oral mechanism screenings and reflux inventories without clinical interpretation. Assisting patients and caregivers in completing case history and other relevant forms; Checking patient readiness for procedures. Collaborating with Nursing and other services regarding candidacy and readiness for participating in fluoroscopic and endoscopic swallow and laryngeal evaluations. Setting-up, preparing and breaking down equipment and test supplies, for fluoroscopic and endoscopic procedures. Work Schedule: Monday Thru Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. Experience and Education. (1) Experience. Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR, (2) Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school leading to an associate degree or a bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the position. OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. An example of a combination of experience/education is three months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry. 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:GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: *Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck. *Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. *Knowledge of basic speech-language pathology needs. *Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. *Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. *Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G70 Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Sherrie Wilkerson
• Email: [email protected]