The Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist (PT/CS) in this position provides direct patient care and therapy services on an independent basis across the continuum of care to veterans at the VANTHCS Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service. Expected to carry out general duty assignments but primarily serves as subject matter expert in TBI/Polytrauma& Amputee at least 25% of the time. Adheres to established policies, standards of care and standards of practice.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent will perform comprehensive patient evaluations and treatment implementation throughout VANTHCS as directed by the therapy supervisor. The Organizational Location of the Position is: Program V in the TBI/ Polytrauma, Amputee, and Telerehab Programs in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service in Dallas. Serves as the subject matter expert in clinical specialty. In addition they evaluate patients, plans, establishes and provides a full range of comprehensive treatment procedures designed to improve or restore function to include but not limited to the use of physical modalities, therapeutic exercise, prostheses or assistive devices. Must possess advanced knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of respective systems and pathophysiology of common disorders. Conducts advanced comprehensive patient examinations to identify rehabilitation problems, establish treatment goals and develop the plan of care. Guided by differential diagnosis (screen for systemic diseases and medical conditions that can mimic neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems) and movement diagnosis (examine and evaluate the movement system -including diagnosis and prognosis- to provide a customized and integrated plan of care to achieve the amputee patient individual's goal- directed outcomes); performs complex and advance examinations and evaluations of amputee individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors. Reviews of medical records to interpret findings from examination, diagnostic studies and/or medical tests. During evaluation selects relevant evidence based clinical tests and measures; then integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations, using evidence-based data and norms. Establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate intervention to treat or the need for referral to another provider for further consultation when needed. Determines physical therapy prognosis/rehabilitation potential by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences for meaningful level of function in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes. Will provide a range of specialized physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the clinical setting for veterans requiring rehabilitation services. Upon, referral from a physician if applicable, independently plans and develops comprehensive rehabilitation planning to meet patients' needs. Responsible for in-depth evaluations of specialty patients for DME and orthotics including mobility aids, bracing and other adaptive equipment. Once the evaluation is complete, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating equipment needs with the physician and prosthetics department. Additionally, the incumbent will train the patient on the appropriate DME required for safety and functional mobility. Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment available for physical therapy treatments. 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. Incumbent must assign, manage, and evaluate work of subordinate staff. Communicates and works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' global care. He/she establishes and maintains contact with other health care providers involved in patientcare via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations, HIPAA Privacy and Security procedures and instruction s regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. The incumbent will have the ability to obtain a state/government license and drive a government vehicle. 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 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. 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). Driver's License: A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License. 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: 5 years of Physical Therapy Experience 3 to 5 years experience with Polytrauma and Amputee populations Leadership development experience or Project Development Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and PT or PTA student supervision Experience performing comprehensive evaluations and assessment involving muscular strength and mobility, neurological and vestibular deficit 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: 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 Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]