The Wheeled Mobility clinical specialist is an advanced level practitioner with specialized knowledge and demonstrated clinical competence related to Wheeled Mobility and Seating and Positioning and has an increased depth and breadth of practice skills obtained through training and/or experience in this area. Incumbent is a Physical Therapist who is responsible for independent provision of physical therapy services at the Audie L. Murphy Campus of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.

Duties

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Duties May Include but are Not Limited To: Clinical: The incumbent is assigned to the PM&R service. Upon referral from a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, evaluates patients of varying complexity to determine functional status, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Referrals may be self-referred by the patient as part of a "Direct Access" program; Demonstrates the ability to conduct independent patient assessments using routine and highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests that are applicable to the Wheeled Mobility population; Screens and evaluates patients for appropriate referral and treatment based on ALM policies and standards, guidelines from VHA. Routinely monitors chart and queries patients regarding any changes in medical status that would impact patient's participation; Follows appropriate safety measures in completing assessments, treatment, training, and equipment/device trialing; Documents prescription of adaptive equipment to maximize function and safety; Maintains work area, equipment, and supplies in accordance with safety regulations and policies; Practices appropriate safety procedures and precautions for both patient and self when utilizing devices and equipment related to Wheeled Mobility services; Demonstrates knowledge in evaluating and treating patients who have experienced limb loss, traumatic brain injuries, neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and neurological injuries; Incumbent is responsible for comprehensive evaluations of patients for DME and orthotics. Once the evaluation is complete, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating equipment needs with the physician and Prosthetics Service. Additionally, the incumbent will train the patient on the appropriate DME required for safety and functional mobility; Demonstrates an effective working knowledge of physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities used for veterans who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries, amputations, neurological injuries, multiple traumas or other debilitation; Utilizes critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of patients. Has the ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrates the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques. Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment available for physical therapy treatments; Demonstrates knowledge of learning principles, behavioral interventions and innovational techniques for patient and caregiver education. Demonstrates skills in teaching body mechanics to patients and caregivers to minimize risk of injury; Communicates and works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the delivery of physical therapy services to patients with a need for Wheeled Mobility services; Maintains the Functional Independence Measure Scale (FIM) certification, as directed by supervisor and assigned treatment area; As assigned, completes the FIM and/or other measurement scales as requested at admission and discharge. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate treatment outcomes of physical therapy interventions; Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Administration Follows procedures consistent with STVHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations; Maintains all data for quality assurance monitoring and evaluates data at specific intervals; Maintains adequate level of supplies; Maintains equipment in safe and operable condition through inspection and requests submission of work orders, as necessary; Other duties as assigned. Education Supervises and trains therapy students, other healthcare students and volunteers; Demonstrates the ability to teach and mentor staff in specialty area, exercise science and transfer/gait training. Provides in-services and training for physical therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. Orients new staff members to the role of physical therapy; Participates in accredited educational programs related to wheeled mobility to maintain credentials as a Certified Wheeled Mobility Specialist. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm; OR 8x10; OR 9x9 Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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: 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: (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: 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 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. 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: 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 the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)s: 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 (see paragraph 2i). 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 (see Definitions, paragraph 2. i.). Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and variety. Clinical Specialists spend at least 25% or greater of their time working with specialized population(s) within their department. Physical therapists at this level perform assignments in specialty areas such as geriatrics, neurology, cardiopulmonary, orthopedics, spinal cord injury, amputee, wound care, chronic pain, electromyography, women's health or pelvic health, polytrauma, brain injury, lymphedema, vestibular, assistive technology, seating and mobility. 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 area. 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. He/she establishes and maintains contact with other health care providers involved in patient care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis. He/she exercises expert professional judgment to establish appropriate discharge planning recommendations to ensure safe discharge from inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. If the medical center has a PT residency program, the clinical specialist may be on faculty for the program. Preferred Experience: ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) and/or SMS (Seating & Mobility Specialist) certification preferred; Prior experience with complex neuro-rehabilitation patients (SCI, TBI, MS, ALS) preferred; Prior experience with wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations and modification preferred; Prior experience in an academic setting with teaching and/or research experience preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking - 8 hrs; standing 8 hrs; kneeling 1 hrs; repeated bending 4 hrs; both legs required; near vision n correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; DVA correctable to 20/40; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); mental/emotional stability; cognitive stability; ability to perform privileges; independently able to perform physical exams as appropriate.

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: 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.

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

Note: If your school was accredited by any of the above named agencies at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or the www.apta.org website(s), you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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]