Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) - PACT

<p>Incumbent demonstrates advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of interventions and treatment modalities associated with current professional physical therapy practice in a Primary Care Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) PT setting. This advanced knowledge and skill has been acquired through extensive and comprehensive advanced training across a broad curriculum of continuing education and fellowship training.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Major duties and responsibilities include but not limited to: Clinical Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex treatment objectives for the outpatient PACT PT population. Exercises originality in solving problems not covered by this guide, makes innovative adaptations of the clinical procedures herein to meet the complex and highly varying needs of the PACT PT population and advises all other health care team members in this regard. Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy. Performs routine physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-85+ years old. 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 needs involving the patient, family and significant others in the process as appropriate. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication. Plans and carries out the full range of complex interventions and treatment modalities across body systems and conditions where therapeutic objectives are complex and procedures involved require the application of advanced knowledge and skill in the area of outpatient primary care physical therapy in a direct access PACT setting (e.g. exercise and wellness recommendations in context of Health Promotion Disease Prevention, psychologically informed approaches based on biopsychosocial models, complex pain interventions, advanced manual therapy techniques including spinal manipulation, dry needling, vestibular rehab interventions). Education Shares knowledge and expertise about the scope of outpatient PACT physical therapy practice and services with PACT teams, physical therapy department, PM&R Service, medical center and community. This is provided through direct consultation, mentorship, development of in-services and clinical training and leading by example. Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for physical therapy students. Training experiences are designed to fulfill student educational and professional requirements. Student performance is evaluated in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association and academic program guidelines. Shares advanced skill and knowledge through mentoring new and existing staff in the area of primary care PACT physical therapy. Teaches and mentors other VHA physical therapy staff in the area of primary care/PACT PT. Provides regular PACT team educational offerings regarding Physical Therapy services through regularly scheduled meetings with PACT teams/providers. Administrative Actively participates in program development for the PACT team and the outpatient physical therapy department to improve efficiency and quality of care provided to patients. Provide supervision for physical therapy assistants as prescribed by state and federal regulations. Represents outpatient physical therapy in the development of policies and procedures, quality assurance monitors and related standards of care. Attend educational and development meetings for PM&RS, Physical Therapy Department and PACT teams. Aware of and adheres to the department/service/facility's values, mission, rules, policies and procedures and the American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Practice and Standards of Ethics to ensure quality patient care. Aware of safety concerns, regulations, policies and procedures, and employs appropriate safety practices. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.