Job Listing: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Cincinnati Metro area, OH

ABOUT THE POSITION: This is a full-time, permanent position in the Rehabilitation Care Line Service. The tour of duty is Monday-Friday day shift.

Major Duties

 The Speech-Language Pathologist (S-LP) spends the majority of his/her time working in their area of specialty providing evaluation and assisted direction in this environment. In this function, the S-LP is under the general supervision of the section supervisor of Speech-Language & Speech Pathology with consultation of the Manager, Rehabilitation Care Line. The supervisor provides oversight and administrative support. Otherwise, the S-LP acts with a high degree of autonomy.  In the absence of section supervisor the S-LP reports to the Manager, Rehab Care Line. The S-LP is viewed as a clinician whose skills are well beyond entry level competence. Program goals and objectives are provided. The employee is responsible for planning and carrying out the assignment, resolving most of the conflicts that arise, coordinating the work with others as necessary and interpreting policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives. In some assignments, the employee also determines the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The employee works independent but keeps the supervisor (or Manager) informed of progress and potentially controversial matters. Completed work is reviewed only in meeting requirements or expected results. The S-LP serves as a resource not only for other Speech-Language staff but also for other disciplines involved in patient care (Nursing, Audiology, Ear Nose & Throat, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Neurology, Pain Management, Stroke Rehab Team etc). The S-LP manages their caseload with no concern for the complexity of treatment required. The incumbent should need no direct professional supervision from the section chief, requiring only administrative support. The incumbent must be willing to assume a leadership role as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team in meeting patient care goals.  The incumbent will  performs the following diagnostic tests:The incumbent is responsible for independent diagnostic assessment and evaluation of cases that are referred for Speech Pathology Services without limitation as to difficulty or complexity.  The incumbent will be responsible to conduct interviews with the patients and appropriate family members and/or friends, selects, administers and interprets the diagnostic test necessary to detect and evaluate any type of speech, language, voice and/or swallowing disorders.  The incumbent is responsible for the adequacy of assessment and for the reporting of the findings to other professional workers with whom he/she or other member of the speech pathology section may cooperate in formulating diagnostic and remedial judgments.  They will utilize all diagnostic and evaluative procedures common to speech pathology.  The incumbent shall stay abreast of all new developments in speech pathology by reading professional journals and by communicating with other professionals in their field.  Assesses patient condition from close observation and consultation with other members of the patient treatment team. Develops treatment plans and provides therapy:Develops plans for a course of therapy to resolve or minimize speech-related communication conditions that present serious problems to social contacts, educational development or employment opportunities.  Is responsible for the administration of tests of voice and speech including modal level and variation of vocal pitch and loudness; variability of the rate of vocal utterance; frequency and complexity of speech disfluency; consistency and adaptation of disfluency in sustained or repeated speaking and aural reading; phonetic analysis of speech designed to identify and evaluate patterns of misarticulation, such as distortions and omissions of sounds, as well as phonemic substitutions, including patterns of variation and speech sound articulation; and identification of phonetic and semantic factors related to this variation.  Establishes and maintains an effective therapy relationship with the patient, family and caregivers. Adjusts treatment plan to patient response and indicators of progress.   Performs other related clinical and administrative duties as assigned.   The S-LP  is responsible for data input to the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), development and monitoring of quality assurance program, and preparation of reports as required for quality improvement, JCAHO, care line etc.The S-LP is responsible for timely completion of progress notes, consults, encounter forms, and patient/caregiver education. The employee routinely completes these notes electronically in the VISTA/CPRS computer system.The S-LP secures and maintains the work area and equipment to provide a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment and to prevent loss and misuses of equipment and supplies.Customer Services: 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.  Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

How to Apply

All application and materials must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Mail applications to: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center ATTN: HRMS (D Young), 3200 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 FAX AND E-MAIL MATERIALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

All applicants must submit a VA Form 10-2850c, “Application for Associated Healthcare professions”, and an OF-306, “Declaration for Federal Employment”, and official copy of their grade transcripts. Applicants may also include a resume with the application packet. If selected for this position, applicant will be required to provide original transcripts upon hire. Veterans must attach a copy of their DD-214, indicating the type of discharge received; and a copy of the letter provided by VA indicating the percentage of service connected disability, if applicable. Current federal employees should provide an SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action.  All application packets must be received by close of business the closing day of the announcement.  FAXED OR E-MAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Contact Information:
Debbie Young

Phone: (513) 475-6361


Or write:
Department Of Veterans Affairs
3200 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45220

US


What To Expect Next:
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.