Staff Speech-Language Pathologist

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Phoenix, Arizona

Salary Range: $92702 - $120518 Per Year

Job Summary: NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service. The incumbent is a staff speech-language pathologist.

Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Uses a wide range of knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of speech-language pathology to a wide range of populations. Develops coherent treatment strategies. Incorporates new clinical procedures sufficient to perform clinical services. Identifies, defines, evaluates, diagnoses, and treats disorders of human communication and swallowing associated with, but not limited to, speech, language processing, swallowing, and feeding function, and cognitive aspects of communication. Uses instrumentation to observe, collect data, and measure parameters of communication and swallowing. Exercises limited clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations. Determines the appropriateness of rehabilitative and/or compensatory technologies (e.g., voice prostheses, augmentative and alternative communication [AAC] devices, electronic cognitive devices); documents medical justification; and, orients and trains patients and caregivers on their effective use. Has knowledge of principles and techniques used in voice disorders including alaryngeal and trach/ventilator-dependent patients to perform functions associated with contemporary speech-language pathology scope of practice. Provides services using telehealth diagnostic measures and treatment methodologies. Provides culturally appropriate services to modify or enhance communication performance (e.g., accent modification, transgendered voice, care and improvement of the professional voice, personal/professional communication effectiveness). Follows applicable informed consent and HIPAA rules on privacy and protecting patient rights. The SLP meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions; communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner; provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures; responds to customer requests, inquiries, and complaints; and handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. In the performance of official duties, the SLP has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data that must be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. The SLP is responsible for 1) protecting the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion and 2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the access agreement which the incumbent signs. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00AM -3:30PM, Work Schedule may change due to operational needs of service, which may include occasional weekends. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications: Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. 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. c. Licensure: Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia (1) 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. (2) The requirement for licensure may be waived by the Under Secretary for Health or designee in VHA Central Office for individuals engaged in research or academic assignments involving no direct patient care duties, in accordance with current activities. (3) An SLP who has, or ever has had their speech-language pathology license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or issued/placed on probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part. Grade Determinations: Speech-Language Pathologist GS-12 (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) Assignment. This is the full performance level. At this level, SLPs independently provide evidence-based assessment and treatment interventions to individuals with a wide range of speech, language, voice, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. Staff SLPs select, administer and interpret standardized and non-standardized assessment measures. They integrate assessment findings into a patient-centered treatment plan of care and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions by collecting and documenting treatment outcomes. SLPs may be assigned to work in a specific clinical area such as traumatic brain injury, head and neck cancer, movement disorders or spinal cord injury. They may provide clinical training experiences for trainees and students and participate in research activities. Preferred Experience: Broad SLP experience and interest in diverse practice areas. Experience with dysphagia, voice, Augmentative Alternative Communication, or post-laryngectomy care. 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: VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/17/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12827715. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-17