Speech-Language Pathologist (Clinical Specialist) Job in Omaha, NE

Vacancy No. CBSY-12742926-25-MS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $106,437.00 to $138,369.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/31/2025 Close Date 6/9/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Omaha, NE


Summary

This position is located within the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at Nebraska Western Iowa VAHCS. Duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Speech Pathology service. The Speech Pathologist (Clinical Specialist) plans, conducts, and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic assessments and evaluations and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is an INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT and is limited to current permanent employees of the Nebraska-Western Iowa VA Health Care System.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

A Speech Pathologist (Clinical Specialist) provides leadership and directs oversight in the design, development, implementation, planning and management of the specialty program. Serves as a coach or facilitator for an interdisciplinary team and is responsible for training all support staff and trainees as it relates to the specialty program. The Speech Pathologist (Clinical Program Specialist) is responsible for providing comprehensive clinical services; ensures work assignments of the other members of a clinical team are carried out by performing a range of administrative duties. The Speech Pathologist (Clinical Program Specialist) exercises a limited range of managerial authority that is routine or technical in nature and obtains assistance from supervisors on problems that may arise. Incumbent oversees the professional practice of peers.

Leads a diverse clinical team on work methods, practices, and procedures:

  • The Lead Speech Pathologist will lead three or more speech pathologists to accomplish the work through leadership, team building skills, group facilitation, coaching and integration of work products and processes; articulates and communicates assignments, projects, problems to be solved, actionable events, and objectives, as well as advise on work methods, practices, and procedures. Serves as facilitator and/or negotiator in coordinating initiatives and consensus building activities among clinical team members with wide divergent backgrounds, interest, and points of view.
Coordinates assignments, special projects, and objectives to lead work:
  • Provides comprehensive clinical services and oversee the day-to-day core clinic operations. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings; participates with other health care practitioners to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment.
Monitors work, evaluates programs, and adjusts to accomplish the workload:
  • Collects, analyzes, and incorporates data to monitor and evaluate the efficiency, utilization, quality, and effectiveness of clinic services. Plans, coordinates, and implements a full range of patient-focused treatment services designed to optimize function. Ensures work assignments of the clinical team are completed and adjusts the workload in accordance with established priorities.

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 probationary 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

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.
  • 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.
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.
  • Licensure. Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia.
  • English Language Proficiency. SLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 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:

Speech-Language Pathologist (Clinical Specialist), GS-13.

(1) Experience/Education. In addition to the basic requirements at the GS-12 level, completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and completion of one or more of the following:
(a) Board certification such as BRS-S Disorders or BC-ANCDS; or
(b) Completion of a residency or fellowship post-graduate degree; or
(c) College credits (three or more courses) above the graduate degree in the areas relevant to the advance practice.

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Advanced knowledge in a focused area of contemporary speech pathology practice for contemporary and evidence-based practice in differential diagnosis and treatment.
(b) Skill in interpreting advanced specialized clinical management programs in focused areas of contemporary speech-language pathology practice.
(c) Ability to provide consultation and continuing education in a specific SLP disorder area.

(3) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. SLP clinical specialists apply advanced knowledge of scientific principles and contemporary and evidence-based clinical practice in a specific disorder area. SLPs in this assignment use professional judgment to diagnose patients with the most complex disorders not typically seen in routine clinical practice; develop and implement evidence-based and individualized clinical management programs; and render professional opinions. These patients may present with multiple physical, sensory, motor, cognitive or other complicated communication or swallowing disorders that require advanced clinical decision-making skills using complex data. On a regional or national level, SLP clinical specialists serve as subject matter experts for a specific clinical area, adding knowledge to the profession by providing expert consultation, continuing education and mentoring to colleagues, clinical fellows and students.

(4) Differentiating Full Performance Level from Clinical Specialist Level. This is done based on the differences between independent practice, which is required for all SLPs at the full performance level and a clinical specialist. An SLP practicing at the independent level has a generalized knowledge of practice, whereas the SLP clinical specialist has specialized knowledge of practice typically related to a particular diagnosis or patient population. The SLP clinical specialist can be further differentiated from the independent SLP by their ability to expand clinical knowledge in the profession, provide consultation and guidance to colleagues, role model effective speech- language pathology practice skills and teach or mentor less experienced SLPs. An SLP with advanced knowledge, clinical skills and personal qualifications that meet the standard for the SLP clinical specialist must be assigned to a position that requires use of the practice skills to be considered for the SLP grade.

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 13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy at GS-13.

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

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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

Required Documents

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

  • License
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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
  • License
  • *Highly Recommended* Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document - KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement.
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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 06/09/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12742926.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Marquell Steed
Address
VA Nebraska-Western Iowa HCS - Omaha
4101 Woolworth Avenue
Omaha, NE 68105
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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