Speech-Language Pathologist

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.

Duties

• This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and may be posted up to September 7, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 17, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until vacancy is filled. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical Independently conducts and interprets comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders, including complex and medically involved cases. Plans, implements, and monitors individualized treatment programs designed to restore and optimize communication and swallowing function, tailoring interventions to Veterans' unique goals and needs. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical skill in the evaluation and management of dysphagia across the continuum of care, including instrumental assessment and interdisciplinary dysphagia management. Collaborates closely with the interprofessional care team to support timely and coordinated assessment, treatment planning, and safe discharge recommendations. Provides patient, family, and caregiver education to promote understanding of speech-language and swallowing disorders, rehabilitation strategies, and safety in mealtime and communication environments. Utilizes evidence-based practice and current clinical guidelines consistent with VA Speech-Language Pathology qualification standards and scope of practice. Maintains documentation in compliance with VA policies and accrediting body standards, ensuring that communication, assessment results, and clinical outcomes are clearly conveyed to all care team members. Demonstrates competence in the use and application of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, as well as in the management of communication and swallowing needs for tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent Veterans. Develops and adjusts plans of care in collaboration with patients and interdisciplinary providers to ensure measurable progress and meaningful outcomes. This position is ideal for a clinician with strong critical thinking, acute care experience, and a passion for serving Veterans through compassionate, evidence-based practice. Education Provides education and orientation to Veterans, family members, medical residents, allied health professionals, community organizations, students, and volunteers regarding the role and services of Speech-Language Pathology. Delivers in-service trainings to nursing staff, medical residents, and other allied health professionals on speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing evaluation and treatment procedures to support best practices in acute care. Supervises, mentors, and precepts student trainees and fellows in Speech-Language Pathology, maintaining active collaboration with affiliated colleges and universities to support clinical education and workforce development. Assists with the orientation and training of new Speech-Language Pathology staff to ensure consistency with VA policies, clinical standards, and Veteran-centered care principles. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Flexible Alternate Work Schedule (AWS) including either Mondays or Fridays off with 4 hour shift on either Saturday or Sunday. TBD during interview. Work schedule may change due to operational needs of service. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/.