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

As clinical specialist in Polytrauma, expertise is essential in the total care and management of the neurologically-impaired patient with knowledge required for all aspects of these complex disabilities. This includes not only the neuromuscular limitations, but other multisystem dysfunction that may be associated with these injuries. A thorough understanding of psychological changes associated with neurological disability is required. Evaluate complex patients with multiple comorbidities to determine functional impairments, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Must have the advanced skill to perform, modify and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the Polytrauma specialty area. Special evaluation techniques are demonstrated in balance, neurological facilitation techniques and reflex/spasticity testing. Serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the delivery of physical therapy services to patients who have experienced multiple traumas which includes providing information and in-services to physicians and therapists in other settings at the station and communicating future therapy needs to therapists who work in settings that Polytrauma visit after their discharges. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and expert skills in a range of specialized physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the clinical setting for veterans in the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center who have suffered multiple traumas. Such interventions include advanced gait training, techniques to minimize the effects of spasticity on functional performance, gait lab evaluations and techniques to manage functional tasks despite environmental distractions. Independently plans and develops comprehensive programs to meet patients' needs in the specialty program. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in evaluating and treating patients with varying conditions to include, but not limited to limb loss, acquired brain injuries, traumatic brain injuries, emerging consciousness, vestibular impairment, neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and spinal cord injuries. Is capable of unusual motivational techniques to obtain participation of patient with complex physical/psychosocial diagnoses. Is independently responsible for planning treatment activities and resolving problems on his/her own with accuracy and good judgment. Work with a high degree of independence and demonstrates professional judgment in planning and carrying out treatment programs. Incumbent has the necessary advanced skills to address the complexity of management of specific patient impairments and is able to determine the severity of the impairments and the involvement of single or multiple organ systems. Responsible for in-depth evaluations of Polytrauma patients for DME and orthotics including mobility aids, specialty wheelchairs, cushions, lifts, bathroom equipment, bracing and other adaptive equipment. Responsible for coordinating equipment needs with the physician and Prosthetics Service. Train the patient on the appropriate DME required for safety and functional mobility. Evaluate veterans' homes for structural modifications needed to make the home environment safe and accessible, determining needs for durable medical equipment (DME) and training and monitoring for safe use of DME. Participate in travel off-campus for therapy treatments and/or home assessments to meet community re-integration needs. Therapist may provide transportation for veteran in government vehicle to facilitate community re-integration therapy treatment and/or home assessment. Complete physical therapy documentation of initial findings, treatment goals, estimated length of treatment, equipment recommendations, interim progress and discharge summary in patients' medical records. Communicate and work effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care. Demonstrate the ability to guide and evaluate the work of the interdisciplinary team in specialized Polytrauma care. Participate in conferences and assigned medical and team meetings. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge base that supports making decisions regarding discharge planning and safe disposition for Polytrauma patients. Assist the clinical training/education specialist in providing educational experiences for staff and students, assesses their clinical performance providing feedback and makes plans for improvement in identified areas of deficiency. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000/Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (Copy of Transcripts) 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: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees(eliminating the baccalaureate degree). Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. 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. Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. Physical Requirements. Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, you must meet the specialized experience and demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities below: GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, 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; or Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or Completion of a fellowship program; or An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. Preferred Experience: 2+ years of inpatient rehab experience 2+ years of neuro/brain injury experience 1+ years of inpatient polytrauma experience 1+ years of advanced bracing experience such as FES (Bioness) 1+ years of amputee experience References: VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12, Physical Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0633, dated February 7, 2018. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting/carrying, 45 pounds and over;Straight pulling .5 hours, Pushing .5 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; both hands required; walking (.5hours); Standing .5 hours; Crawling .5 hours; Kneeling .5 hours; Repeated bending 1 hours; Climbing, legs only .5 hours; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Operation of a motor vehicle; Ability to use and desirability of using firearms; Specific visual requirement, corrective lenses okay; both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental & emotional stability.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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.

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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application

Contacts

• Address Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78229 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]