The PM&RS is seeking a Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)- Neurological Rehabilitation to manage direct access patients and provide highly specialized interventions to an inpatient/outpatient population. The primary duty station will be in Little Rock, AR.

Duties

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY The Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)- Neurological Rehabilitation duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical: Independently performs complex physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-85+ years old in a direct access environment. Stage of life is considered and used to modify evaluation and treatment based on the needs of the individual. Assessment of the patient's learning needs is performed and patient education is tailored to meet those involving the patient, family and significant others in the process as appropriate. Specialized clinical care and knowledge pertaining to the Neurological Rehabilitation therapy patient is demonstrated and provided. Independently solves complex treatment problems related to physical therapy using advanced knowledge, by adapting and modifying treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the patients with complex disabilities and musculoskeletal dysfunction Develops a specific physical therapy intervention and treatment plan for each patient for whom they are responsible. In collaboration with the patient and significant other/caregivers, incumbent establishes short-term and long-term physical therapy patient treatment goals that are objective, measurable, functional and time limited using unique Neurological Rehabilitation evidence based specialized skills/knowledge as indicated. Implements treatment programs to meet the physical therapy treatment goals. Demonstrates the ability to implement, revise and/or update evidence based physical therapy services in the area of Neurological Rehabilitation physical therapy. Frequently assesses the patient's progress toward physical therapy treatment goals; modifying the goals and treatment program as indicate. Monitors patient's emergency medical needs, intolerance to treatment, changes in the patient's physical/mental status, and takes appropriate action as necessary. Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted Physical Therapy practice, facility and PM&RS policies and procedures Participates and actively represents Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service as a liaison in patient staffings, family conferences, specialty clinics, and assigned medical or departmental meetings. Upon the PMR leadership requests, provides specialized Neurological Rehabilitation knowledge, education, training in the above. Maintains current knowledge and understanding of all patient care equipment in the department, its use and contraindications. Incumbent is knowledgeable of all safety and cleaning procedures mandated for use with all equipment. Incumbent completes mandated review of the PM&RS equipment manual and decontamination SOP's on an annual basis. Incumbent uses appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's) when providing treatment and/or using equipment for treatment. Recommends referral of patients to other services or programs when appropriate. Provides patient care/support that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical and emotional needs of the patient group served. Education: Participates in seminars, workshops, in-service training, departmental meetings, and lectures to increase and maintain personal knowledge/skills in the area of Neurological Rehabilitation intervention. Completes continuing education in the area of Neurological Rehabilitation intervention and shares information with other professionals. Provides formal in-service trainings for OT's, KT's, PT's, MD'S, other health care professionals or students annually in the specialty area of Neurological Rehabilitation intervention. Conducts in-service programs for other disciplines as requested. Develops patient/family teaching and treatment material. Administrative: Provides all statistical data as requested and conducts quality assurance utilization reviews. Assures that documentation supports IDC-10 and CPT codes utilized to capture workload and for billing purposes. Maintains effective communication with patients, families and other health care professionals to enhance patient care. Supervises and guides non-professional assistants/aides involved in PT treatment to maintain overall responsibility of treatment. Responsible for developing/updating and implementing specific evaluation forms to be utilized by PT's and OT's in the area of neurological rehabilitation intervention Primary duty station is Little Rock. This position may also include occasional travel/work in the North Little Rock division and in the nearby Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education and Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (3) 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 and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements 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. Although the licensing of PTs in the United States 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 United States. Licensure. Individuals must 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. 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). Preferred Experience. PM&RS is seeking the best qualified physical therapist with preferred experience in the outpatient setting with the following responsibilities/characteristics: At least 3 years of experience working in the inpatient or outpatient setting at CAVHS. At least 80 hours of post professional degree education/training in the area of neurological rehabilitation in order to display advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities Displays knowledge and skill in a variety of neurological rehabilitation therapy. Knowledgeable in a wide array of physical therapy topics and interventions within and outside of specialty area Develops and implements complex, goal oriented treatment plans for patients, presenting with a multiplicity of dysfunction and impairments in physical, functional, and adaptive areas Provides independent evaluation and therapeutic interventions to a full range of wounded, ill, and injured veterans with a diverse set of diagnoses Teaches alternative or compensatory techniques for rehabilitation, reconditioning, and functional tasks, regardless of physical, mental, and/or cognitive deficits. Designs advanced level treatment plans to meet patient/clinical objectives Provides education and consultation to patients and other providers, including development of training programs and educational in-services. Provides recommendations for continued treatment, home programs, and reconditioning, as well as guidance on physical health, functional, and adaptive activities. Grade Determinations: 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: (a) Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past 2 to 5 years; or (b) Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or (c) Completion of a fellowship program; or (d) An additional advanced degree in a related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (1) Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of PT. (2) 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 PT. (3) Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of PT. (4) Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of PT. (5) Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. References. VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12, Physical Therapist Qualification Standard, dated February 7, 2018. The position is above Full Performance Level (GS-13). Physical Requirements. Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling and pushing (4 hours); reaching above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers; walking and standing (8 hours); crawling and kneeling (2 hours); repeated bending (4 hours); climbing using legs only (1 hour); climbing using legs and arms; ability for rapid mental/muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); mental and emotional stability. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services) Must be able to drive a GOV (government owned vehicle). Environmental Factors. Excessive noise (intermittent); solvents (degreasing agents); radiant and electrical energy; working around machinery with moving parts; working with hands in water; vibration; and working closely with others. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services)

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 John L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital 4300 West Seventh Street Little Rock, AR 72205 US
• Name: Krista Smith
• Phone: 501-274-6635
• Email: [email protected]