Deputy Chief- PMRS (Speech-Language Pathologist)

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: 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 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 State, territory, Commonwealth or 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).All Speech-Language Pathologists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard (September 22, 2022) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees, may be reassigned, promoted [up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. GRADE REQUIREMENTS. In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Supervisory Speech-Language Pathologist, GS-14. Experience. In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-13 level, completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Skill to translate management goals and objectives into efficient service operations. Skill in providing clinical and administrative oversight of service operations within complex facilities and/or multiple sites. Skill in conflict resolution to facilitate positive working relationships between employees, team leaders and management. Ability to effectively collaborate with local, VISN and national leadership. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Service chiefs at this level are responsible for managing a unified audiology and speech-language pathology service or equivalent organizational unit in a large, complex or multi-site medical center. They ensure that services provided are of high quality and are consistent with contemporary and evidence-based clinical practice. In providing direction for a specialized and complex service-level department, Service chiefs formulate objectives and priorities and implement plans consistent with the organization’s long-term interest, capitalizing on opportunities and managing risks. Service chiefs must demonstrate active problem and conflict resolution skills and maintain effective interdepartmental relationships to accomplish the medical facility’s mission and goals. Service chiefs manage budgets, determine resource needs, allocate resources and ensure appropriate service productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They perform supervisory duties such as preparing personnel actions, performance management; planning, scheduling and assigning work; managing leave; assessing competencies; appraising performance; and recommending clinical privileges or scope of practice. Service chiefs ensure orientation and training programs are established for staff development and oversee academic affiliations, internship and fellowship programs. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G30, dated September 22, 2022. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires mostly periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients/residents who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on stakeholder needs.
Serve as a Deputy Chief, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service at the Hampton VA Medical Center which includes oversight, planning and development of all Service functions and programs. The incumbent will plan, direct, and coordinate all aspects of a multifaceted, complex service which includes Administrative, Physiatry, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Speech therapy, Audiology, Pain Management, Traumatic Brain Injury/Polytrauma, and Amputee Services.