This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Major Duties and Responsibilities: -Performs comprehensive patient evaluations Primary patient care responsibilities is outpatient orthopedic clinic, with an emphasis on this position being the Clinical Specialist on complex orthopedics, and spinal care involving pain. This may include inpatient and long-term care responsibilities, as directed by the Supervisory Therapist PM&R. Patients are scheduled for evaluation in such a manner as to not negatively impact other clinical staff yet meet the patient's needs. Patient medical records are reviewed to assess appropriateness of physical therapy intervention, note any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and to assist in guiding the evaluation process. Evaluations include medical history, results, and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements such as: range of motion, muscle strength, sensory/perceptual deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, and social needs. Evaluations address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age-appropriate level. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them developed and implemented to ensure accurate patient evaluation. Evidence based outcomes measures are collected and used to guide clinical decision making. -Provides comprehensive patient care for P.T. patients. Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals, and timelines for completion. Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to best meet established goals. Documents treatment progression and/or modifications according to departmental and Medical Center standards. Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the advanced clinical practice theories or treatments of physical therapy and their proper application through the use of therapeutic physical rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures at a level that exceed a generalist. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharge planning in conjunction with the Physical Therapist and Medical Center staff. Evidence based outcomes measures are collected and used to guide clinical decision making. -Responsible for participating and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and techniques related to P.T. and other related topics. Identifies, collects and analyzes appropriate patient care information, and evidence based outcomes measures to provide a data base for performance improvement activities within the VA system. Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Physical Therapy practice through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance at continuing education courses and conferences. Serves as Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapy Assistant students as assigned. Consults with staff and physicians through patient presentations, attendance at interdisciplinary patient care conferences and/or specialty clinics. Provides interdisciplinary in services for medical center staff in the area of clinical specialty, orthopedic spinal and extremity disorders/dysfunction involving pain, safety and prevention. -Responsible for maintaining open communication with patients, families, Medical Center staff and others. Seeks clarification, listens, and conveys information clearly, in written and verbal forms. Investigates and responds appropriately to all complaints and takes effective corrective action when necessary. Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with patients and members of the organization. Communicates effectively with our primary population of geriatric veterans/families and recognizes/reports potential cases of patient abuse. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and a positive approach to communication and interaction with other employees, visitors, physicians, and the public. Presents the Program, Service, and Medical Center in a positive manner. Maintains confidentiality of patient medical records according to established policy. Follows the Standards of Ethical Conduct as defined in Medical Center Memorandums, and follows applicable regulations and laws as per the Compliance Program. Work Schedule: M-F, 8:00AM-4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 58096-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Micaela Gaytan ([email protected]) or Vickie Becoat ([email protected]), the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: -Citizenship Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. -English Language Proficiency Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. -Education and Experience The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. -Foreign Graduates Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool. -Licensure Individuals hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Grade Determinations: -GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Experience In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must possess one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and one of the following: Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past two and five years. Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) Completion of a fellowship program. An additional advanced degree in a related field. AND -Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs: Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy. Ability to serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized content area of physical therapy. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy. Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area. Assignment Physical therapists at this level perform assignments in specialty areas such as geriatrics, neurology, cardiopulmonary, orthopedics, spinal cord injury, amputee, wound care, chronic pain, electromyography, women's health or pelvic health, polytrauma, brain injury, lymphedema, vestibular, assistive technology, seating and mobility. The individual is assigned responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in the content specialty area and as a consultant to physical therapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the specialty area. Clinical Specialists have advanced knowledge and demonstrate expert clinical practice skills in providing assessment and treatment interventions across the continuum of care. He/she utilizes advanced knowledge and expertise to modify treatment plans and to identify therapeutic activity interventions based on the changing needs, goals and performance of patients. Clinical Specialists have advanced training in specialized technology related to their area of practice. He/she establishes and maintains contact with other health care providers involved in patient care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis. He/she exercises expert professional judgment to establish appropriate discharge planning recommendations to ensure safe discharge from inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. If the medical center has a PT residency program, the clinical specialist may be on faculty for the program. Preferred Experience: 3 Years of Experience References: VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12 Physical Requirements: The position requires frequent bending, lifting and the ability to assist patients with a variety of therapeutic activities. Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Western Colorado Health Care System 2121 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 US
• Name: Michael Rosales
• Phone: 5207921450 X16269
• Email: [email protected]