Summary This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Section of the NWI VAHCS, Omaha VA with primary duties at the NWI Papillion Community Living Center. The speech-language pathologist at this level plans, conducts, and coordinates diagnostic assessments and evaluations and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Demonstrates competency that qualifies him/her to independently evaluate and treat Veterans referred to Speech Therapy for a variety of reasons and for a wide range of conditions not limited to difficulty with speech, language, voice, cognition and swallowing. Performs a thorough and comprehensive examination of the referred Veteran. This includes all procedures and instruments common to the practice of a Speech Pathologist; this includes the entire spectrum of evaluation techniques for dysphagia (clinical exam, modified barium swallow [MBS], and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [FEES]). Independently plans, coordinates, and carries out speech therapy interventions for referred Veterans to restore function, compensate for dysfunction and improve quality of life and independence. Works closely with the Veteran's provider, dieticians, nursing staff and/or caregivers to coordinate safe feeding programs for Veterans with dysphagia. This includes providing routine follow up evaluation. Evaluates the Veteran's needs for assistive devices and adaptive appliances or technology, instructing the Veteran and caregivers on the safe and proper use of these devices. This can include working with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems and environmental control units. Receives Veteran referrals from appropriate source and assures that Veterans are scheduled for evaluation and treatment in a timely fashion. Reviews charts to assess appropriateness of the referrals and possible contraindications for treatment. Schedules Veterans for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team. Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled Veterans and for family conferences. Assesses the need for other services and requests referrals as necessary based on subjective and objective evaluation, medical history and response to treatments if performed. Assures all documentation is done in a timely manner as per documentation policy for all Veteran visits. Serves as a consultant for other rehabilitation therapists regarding the delivery of Speech Therapy services. Functions on a multidisciplinary team by communicating directly with team members such as Veteran's primary care provider, nursing personnel, social worker, dietitian, psychologist, and other disciplines involved with the Veteran's care. Advises and instructs medical center staff regarding care of Veteran's needs and progress; also providing discharge planning information. Continues to maintain and learn advanced skills in this area by attending continuing education courses and training when applicable. Reviews documentation submitted by outside medical providers on behalf of the Veterans, making recommendations to the care team as appropriate. May provide direct supervision and training to students assigned to the Speech Language Pathology program; working closely with the student to identify areas of personal interest, strengths, and weaknesses incorporating these factors into established training protocol to assure achievement of training goals and maintenance of Veteran treatment objectives. The incumbent will be responsible for supervising, mentoring, and precepting student trainees in speech language pathology and maintaining liaisons with affiliated colleges and universities. He/she may also provide instruction to residents and interns who seek information relation to speech language pathology practice. Maintains required supplies, reporting needed repairs, and maintaining general orderliness of clinic areas to which assigned. Provides orientation on Speech Language Pathology to Medical Center employees, volunteers, and visitors on request. The incumbent may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of the work is not substantial. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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. English Language Proficiency: SLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for SLP licensure may be appointed to a temporary position as a graduate SLP under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (c)(2). Individuals appointed as graduate SLPs may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed. 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, GS-11: Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of principles and techniques in assessing and treating disorders of speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing. Knowledge of instrumentation and technologies for assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Ability to adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions, needs and goals. Speech-Language Pathologist, 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: 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. Skill in administering and interpreting instrumental swallowing evaluations. Ability to assess the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and adapt clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient conditions. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G30 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-11 or GS-12. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. 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/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.