Summary
The Section Chief of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services has overall responsibility for supervising, planning, and directing inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs to include Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Recreational Therapy.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to current full and permanent employees of the Department of Veteran Affairs and current full and permanent members of other federal agencies.
Duties
Major duties include but not limited to:
Must be able to perform all duties of subordinate Speech Language Pathologist.
Functions as a professional and technical advisor to clinical staff.
Develops and implements occupational therapy care and treatment protocols using principles of evidence-based practice to establish and/or improve care guidelines.
Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the delivery of all rehabilitation department staff.
Identifies patient treatment and/or program problem areas that impact directly on patient care.
Performs a full range of supervisory functions which includes interviewing applicants for employment, recommending selections, advancements, promotions, and taking disciplinary action when indicated. Provides necessary information to DACOS/ACOS, PM&R when appropriate.
Monitors and manages staff leave requests and ensure employee leave is being adequately managed and correctly used.
Continually reviews staff performance for conformance to established requirements as prescribed in legal, regulatory and facility guidelines, policies and procedures.
Develops, plans, and implements and assists in the planning and developments and implementation of various treatment programs for all rehabilitation department staff.
Assists therapy staff in evaluation and treatment of complex and challenging cases.
Provides staff education and training as well as providing orientation to new staff members.
Plans, implements, and directs the quality assurance activities of the rehabilitation department.
Collects and analyzes outcomes data as assigned, documents reports as required, and shares this information with the DACOS/ACOS, PM&RS and other appropriate reporting channels within the organization.
Collects and analyzes the unit workload data to determine appropriate staffing levels and initiates action as appropriate. Realigns staffing resources to facilitate patient care needs.
Represents the service at meetings and committees as designated by the DACOS/ACOS, PM&R.
Makes recommendations for equipment and budgetary needs based upon the needs of the department. Develops and implements policies and procedures for all rehabilitation department staff.
Conducts regular staff meetings to communicate expectations, review policies and procedures, and to disseminate essential information.
Coordinates clinics and provides administrative oversight for the onsite fee or intermittent employees.
Assists in the provision of leadership to assure that all activities of the staff are closely coordinated in order to achieve an effective integration of the key elements of patient care, education, training and research.
Coordinates and evaluates Service compliance to VHA regulations, Central Office directives, VISN guidelines, Medical Center policy, Union Master Agreement, Service procedures and all accrediting and regulatory agencies including but not limited to PM&R Policies and Procedures, Joint Commission, OSHA and OIG to assure optimal care of veterans, in the continuum of care and in a multidisciplinary model.
Assists in the development and administration of a human resource management program for all rehabilitation department employees that maximizes staff performance and job satisfaction and supports labor management cooperation.
Coordinates and allocates staffing patterns and position management that will support a high-quality rehabilitation department and demand for complex care, treatments and therapies promoting optimal efficiency and effectiveness. Consistently applying EEO and Affirmative Action Principles.
Aides in the development and implementation of a budget management program that provides for the effective utilization of available financial resources coordinating appropriate alterations when necessary to accommodate changes associated with administration, science, education and research.
Assists in the planning of an annual budget for subsistence, supplies and personnel costs. Providing for the effective utilization of available financial resources. Benchmarks against other VA facilities and the private sector to assure cost effective services and coordinating appropriate alterations when necessary to accommodate changes associated with administration, science, community standards and research.
Communicates with and advises DACOS/ACOS regarding the status of rehabilitation department resource management.
Regularly evaluates program goals and objectives to determine progress, efficacy and continued need. Reprioritizes goals as needed to integrate with those of the medical center, VISN and healthcare system.
Seeks and assesses opportunities to reduce operating costs without compromising patient satisfaction.
Assures compliance to prime vendor contracts.
Manages the departments purchase requests processes.
Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday
Telework: Ad Hoc may be available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
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.
- 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.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
Citizenship:
Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
Education:
A master's degree or its equivalent in speech-language pathology, communication disorders, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university. "Accredited" means a college or university [recognized] by a regional accreditation organization and a speech-language pathology academic program [recognized] by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
c. Licensure. For those grades that require licensure (GS-12 and above), [ ] the incumbent must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
(1) The S-LP must maintain full, current, and unrestricted licensure/registration.
(2) Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for S-LP licensure may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate S-LP under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D). Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This may result in termination of employment. [Individuals appointed as graduate S-LPs may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed.
(3) 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.
(4) A S-LP who has, or ever has had his/her speech-language pathology license revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed on a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.
d. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain licensure/certification/
registration within the required time frame, or who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/
registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
[e.] Grandfathering Provision. All S-LPs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Such employees may be reassigned, promoted, [up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade] within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(4) If an S-LP who was retained] under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
English Language Proficiency: Speech-language pathologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
GS-13 Supervisory Speech-Language Pathologist or Section Chief: Supervisory S-LPs or section chiefs exercise supervision, administrative management, and [technical] direction of the speech-language pathology program in a [speech-language pathology unit or service]. They have responsibility for general or technical supervision of key clinical or training programs and overall technical and administrative oversight of S-LPs depending on grade level. [They may have responsibility for general supervision of key clinical or training programs and overall administrative oversight of audiologists in a unified audiology and speech-language pathology section-level, service-level, or equivalent department. Supervisory S-LPs or section chiefs] develop, organize, direct, manage, supervise, control, and implement policies and procedures in focused clinical programs and plan, assess, and evaluate programs to ensure proper coordination between care delivery within the section and the overall delivery of health care. They make decisions that affect staff and other resources [ ] with wide latitude of control and independent judgment. They exercise supervisory responsibilities such as planning and scheduling work; assigning work to employees; accepting, amending or rejecting completed work; ensuring that production and accuracy requirements are met; appraising performance and recommending performance standards and ratings; [but exercise less authority than service chiefs. The following KSAs are required:
a.] Ability to balance responsibilities and to work with great autonomy;
[b.] Ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions;
[c.] Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the section;
[d.] Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers;
[e.] Knowledge of, and ability to utilize, evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area, and to guide the section staff in applying these tools;
[f.] Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation;
[g.] Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution; and
[h.] Skill in the application and analysis of scientific and clinical literature in a professional area.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.
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:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- 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.
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 07/05/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12452208.
- 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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.
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