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

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Physical Therapist Assistant in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation who serves as the subject matter expert and as a consultant to Physical Therapy staff and other medical center staff in treating patients with a wide range cardiac and/or pulmonary conditions. The incumbent has advanced knowledge and demonstrates expert clinical practice skills in providing assessment and treatment interventions across the continuum of care. FUNCTIONS/SCOPE OF DUTIES: A. The Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant will function in accordance with: Federal Law The Alabama Physical Therapy Practice Act published by the Alabama Board for Physical Therapy. The Standards of Practice for Physical Therapists and the Physical Therapy Code of Ethics as published by the American Physical Therapy Association. B. Clinical: Is viewed as a clinician, whose skills are beyond entry-level competence, functioning beyond the full performance level and whose skills demonstrate the ability to perform with a high degree of autonomy in patient care and exercising independent problem solving skills. Clinical Specialists spend at least 25% or greater of their time working with specialized population(s) within their department. 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 areas. 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. Assesses patients, as assigned, to determine the treatment course to be followed. He/she performs tests and measurements of muscles, nerves, range of motion, posture, strength, ambulation, circulatory and respiratory status using various mechanical and electrical means. Is responsible for Community care Cardiopulmonary rehab to ensure consults/patient referrals are handled in the most expeditious manner based upon acuity of need. Teaches and mentors PMRSs and other medical center staff in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy care (i.e., Department and hospital level in-services). Works with Cardiopulmonary rehab staff to develop clinical and didactic programming for the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Monitors workload in the heart and lung transplant group therapy sessions, arranges appointment times, and ensuring the number of adequately trained PT staff are available to safely treat this medically complex population. Reviews and makes recommendations on supply and equipment acquisition specific to the field of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary therapy. Carries out duties and responsibilities in-person and via virtual modalities throughout the Birmingham VA Health Care System including various clinical, administrative, and patient, as assigned, and dictated by workload requirements, and in the community as indicated. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatments and plan of care through ongoing communication. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a myriad of treatment modalities and procedures, including but not limited to neuromuscular facilitation, muscle reeducation, electrical stimulation, sensory integration techniques, positioning, application of assistive devices and joint protection techniques, and works toward established goals. To meet specific and individualized needs and goals for patients with multiple physical/functional problems, incumbent will demonstrate ability to change/modify treatment plans and employ treatment interventions to accomplish desired treatment objectives. Treatment will be provided in the clinic, in the facility and via community care as appropriate for the patient's needs. These skills and interventions will be based on current physical therapy theory, research, and best practice. Demonstrates independent problem-solving skills that allow for frequent modification of treatment plans in response to subtle, but significant changes in the condition of the patient. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education. Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; OR Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. OR Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs. Licensure. Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 3, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-9 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-8. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate one of the following: A minimum of 2000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area, and completion of 60 contact hours of selected continuing education coursework. This time must be within the past five years; or Advanced Practice Proficiency (APP) in the specialty area recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA); or An additional academic degree related to the health care mission. Certification in coursework related to Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Patient Management. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to mentor other staff in advanced clinical guidelines and best practices. Ability to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for healthcare providers in specialty practice areas regarding physical therapy care. Ability to present] advanced knowledge in the therapeutic interventions and clinical practice guidelines with the healthcare team. Ability to interpret and apply clinical practice guidelines. 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) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Straight pulling (

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 Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 South 19th Street Birmingham, AL 35233 US
• Name: James Brinson
• Phone: 205-503-4568
• Email: [email protected]