Speech Language Pathologist

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. English Language Proficiency: Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. Experience and 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 OR A doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication disorders and sciences or a related field, from an accredited college or university. Note: 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. Licensure: Individuals must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice speech-language pathology in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. 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-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. 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. Preferred Experience: 2-5 years of current radiological assessment for dysphagia as incumbent functions as an independent practitioner. Knowledge and experience with Speech-Language Pathology instrumentation used in Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Studies/Modified Barium Swallow Studies (VFSS/MBSS). Knowledge of principles and experience with techniques used in augmentation and alternative communication (AAC) system, diagnosis, and treatment of dysphagia (including head and neck cancer), motor speech disorders and cognitive-communication disorders. Knowledge of principles and experience with techniques used in voice disorders including alaryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patients to perform functions associated with contemporary Speech-Language Pathology Scope of Practice. Experience working with the adult and geriatric populations within the inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitative areas. Knowledge and experience with telehealth services (tele speech pathology). Knowledge of International Dysphagia Diet Standardization and implementation in current Speech Pathology practices. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 12. Physical Requirements: The duties of the position regularly require periods of sitting, standing and walking. Working with patients requires sitting, bending, standing, and pushing of wheelchairs. At times, a light to moderate amount of lifting is required. Some stressful situations may occur when communicating with patients and their families who may have multiple physical, mental and psychosocial problems and needs.
The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is seeking a highly qualified candidate for a Speech-Language Pathologist position in Wichita Kansas.