Health Technician (Speech-Language Pathology)

Clarification from the agency

Open to Current, Permanent Department of VHA, GLA employees. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

Duties include but are not limited to:
Direct patient care duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide patient-centered, whole-health informed customer service to patients, caregivers, staff and other stakeholders by responding promptly to messages and requests and providing a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Assist patients and caregivers in completing case history and other relevant forms, without interpretation.
• Check patient readiness for procedures under supervision of SLP and coordinate with nursing, radiology, and other services.
• Prepare, set-up, clean and disinfect all necessary supplies, equipment, and treatment areas per station policy and service SOPs for procedures and assessments, including but not limited to endoscopic and fluoroscopic procedures.
• Assist with safe patient repositioning and/or transfers in accordance with training provided.
• Feed patients during swallow exams under the direction and supervision of the SLP.
• Employ radiation safety protocols during fluoroscopic exams, including protective lead garments, and inform patients about radiation use and associated safety processes.
• Manage recording and storing of imaging during endoscopic and fluoroscopic exams.
• Perform Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) set-up, programming, troubleshooting, and repairs under the direction of the SLP.
• Follow SLP-developed treatment plans, protocols, document patient performance (e.g. tallying data), and report findings to the supervising SLP.

Administrative duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with clerical duties and departmental operations (e.g. appointment reminders, preparing materials, dosimetry badge management, prosthetic orders, quality improvement projects, etc.).
• Maintain clinic supplies: track expiration dates, submit and restock orders, assist in maintaining current Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and mail supplies as needed.
• Maintain clinic equipment: perform cleaning and disinfection of equipment and treatment areas in accordance with site and service SOP's, submit and track work orders, and assist with equipment inventory reviews.
• Conduct temperature and humidity checks, log data, and initiate corrective actions.
• Assist with reusable medical equipment (RME) competency trainings and competency documentation.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30AM-4:00PM
Compressed/Flexible:May be Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• 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 identification 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).
• 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.

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.
• Experience and Education. (1) Experience. Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR (2) Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school leading to an associate degree or a bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the position. OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. An example of a combination of experience/education is three months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry.
• English Language Proficiency. HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

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: GS-06:
Experience: Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck and oral structures and functions.
(b) Knowledge of medical terminology as it relates to speech-language pathology for communication and swallowing impairments.
(c) Knowledge of prosthetic items and communication devices often prescribed by speech-language pathology staff and assist with ordering and tracking process.
(d) Ability to prepare supplies and equipment for speech, language, voice and/or swallowing evaluation and treatment.
(e) Ability to document and code patient procedures.


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-06.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; perform light lifting up to 15 lbs; reach above shoulder level; bend repeatedly; and frequently push or pull equipment. The position also requires assisting with safe patient positioning during procedures and transfers.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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