The Bath VAMC is recruiting for a Physical Therapist Wound Specialist. The incumbent is responsible for providing evaluations, assessments, functional screens, planning and providing direct treatment interventions to veterans in a clinical setting or veterans' home. The wound specialist has obtained advanced certification in the area of wound care and is Certified Wound Specialist (CWS).

Duties

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Major Duties: Performs evaluation appropriate to the patient's functional, physical and/or psycho-social status to establish a baseline level of functioning. Assess the goals, living skills, physical abilities, influence of caregiver on patient's performance and related needs for each patient on admission and as referred. Administers functional outcomes measures such as manual muscle test, goniometry, girth measurements, activities of daily living (ADLs), and independent activities of daily living (IADLs) assessments. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology of wound stages and healing principles; advanced knowledge to include depth and breadth of debridement techniques, current wound healing interventions including familiarity with dressing options, topical agent management, higher principles of wound management, systemic medication knowledge, evaluation techniques for therapy interventions such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, negative pressure wound therapy, seating/surface interventions, review of risk factors and education of prevention, equipment review and ordering as appropriate. Demonstrates expert skill in adapting mobility devices (manual and power wheelchairs) to meet Veteran's needs related to maximizing support, minimizing pressure, optimizing function and allowing safe and proper positioning and off-loading of observed and traditional pressure areas. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of bed support surfaces to provide pressure reduction/relief including overlays, mattress replacements and bed replacements including the use of bed positioning devices (wedges, cradles, etc.) as necessary and indicated. Demonstrates ability to formulate treatment plans and guide the work of a multidisciplinary team in the prevention and treatment of various wounds. Demonstrates expert skill in evaluating Veterans for wound care intervention. Exhibits expert level skill in applying the advanced principles of wound management such as debridement: sharp (with certification), enzymatic, mechanical, biological and autolytic debridement. Exhibits expert level skill in the selection and application of various dressings such as; chemical cauterization, hydrogel dressings, hydrocolloids, composites, cleansing methods, foam dressings, film dressings, absorptive dressings and skin protectant etc., clean technique and universal precautions and their application to each individual Veteran and wound type. Demonstrates advanced skill set in problem solving causative factors in wound prevention and education in functional changes to avoid further skin integrity issues. Demonstrates an expert skill set in seating/surface selection for the prevention and treatment of wounds. Ability to assess and educate providers and caregivers regarding prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. Advanced ability to screen for Veterans at high risk for diabetic foot ulcers and deliver expert level treatment. Properly documents pressure ulcers according to National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel standards. Demonstrates knowledge of the spectrum of wound care equipment and products. Understands at a high-level application and appropriate selection of wound care products and equipment for each stage and type of wound. Problem-solves basic problems over the phone, triages advanced repair needs to local vendors and liaisons with local vendor/representatives to keep abreast of changes to equipment, set-up in-services, and coordinate repairs as needed. Independently develops, implements, and modifies the treatment plan directed toward achieving maximum level of functioning, consults with other PM&RS disciplines as indicated, and develops the plan in collaboration with the patient and caregiver. Provides patient/caregiver/staff health education (PHE) regarding use and care of equipment. Provides PHE related to energy conservation, work simplification, and safety. Plans, revises and implements treatment programs based upon initial and interim evaluations as indicated; and identifies when patient's maximum level of function has been attained. Is a member of the IPIC interdisciplinary wound team. Helps guide wound policy for Finger Lakes VAHCS. Completes assessments, evaluations, recommendations, PHE, and discharge summaries in the electronic medical record as required. Responsible for carrying out other specialty related activities and assignments as requested by supervisor. Consults with other healthcare practitioners and outside vendors about Physical Therapy related issues. Work Schedule: M-F 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. The basic requirements for employment as a VHA physical therapist are prescribed by Public Law 96-151 codified in 38 U.S.C. 7402. To qualify for appointment, all applicants for the position of physical therapist in VHA must meet the following: a. Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned. b. 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 a physical therapist. (3) 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. (4) 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. c. 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. GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience(1) Knowledge of Contemporary Professional Physical Therapy Practice. To be creditable, a candidate must have demonstrated possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the scope of physical therapy practice. The candidate's experience may be evidenced by one or more of the following:(a) Active professional practice. Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional PT as defined by APTA or the appropriate licensing board. Experience gained after graduation but prior to licensure is creditable provided the candidate was utilized as a graduate PT and subsequently passed the licensure examination.(b) Completion of a post-graduate fellowship or a post-graduate residency program may be substituted for creditable experience on a year for year basis. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was post degree experience as a professional PT and is directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to or exceeding the professional PT experience at the next lower grade level. GRADE DETERMINATION: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 2, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) (a) 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:1. 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; or2. Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or3. Completion of a fellowship program; or4. An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy. 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 physical therapy (see paragraph 2i). 3. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy. 4. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy. 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 (see Definitions, paragraph 2. i.). 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: Wound Care Certification References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G12 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.

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 Bath VA Medical Center 76 Veterans Avenue Bath, NY 14810 US
• Name: Rebekka Fandrey
• Phone: 0000000000
• Email: [email protected]