Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) PACT

<p>This position is for a Physical Therapist (PT) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), located in ECHCS within the PM&R Service. This position provides Physical Therapy to patients referred to the outpatient clinics throughout Eastern Colorado Healthcare System and specifically through telehealth supporting PACT clinics at the Rural CBOCs.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to: Clinical: Physical Therapist receives patient caseload through referrals from medical providers within ECHCS PACT clinics. Caseload will consist of patients with, but not limited to, primary musculoskeletal orthopedic deficits. Evaluation includes but is not limited to chart review, medical history, functional tests and measures, pain scale, social needs, and rehabilitation potential, patient and therapy goals with time frames, using standard and non-standard measures to assess the level of patient function. Advanced clinical roles may also include managing direct access patients, as well as performing highly specialized clinical procedures such as dry needling, prescribing and training on assistive technology devices and durable medical equipment, ordering imaging studies and regenerative rehabilitation. Initial Evaluation and follow-up treatment will be completed via telehealth from the providers normal work station. Physical Therapist develops and implements a treatment plan to meet the individual treatment needs. Therapist keeps the medical team providers informed regarding outcomes of treatment through a variety of communication means. Documents in CPRS for each patient by established policy including but not limited to: evaluation findings, rehabilitation goals, expected functional outcome, equipment provided, patient and family education, and discharge summary results including progress toward goals. Complies with requirements to maintain prosthetic equipment supplies, providing necessary documentation of equipment provided to patients and obtaining stock replacement of equipment issued. Carries a full patient caseload, accepting new patient consults as referred by medical providers. Caseload will be outpatient Physical Therapy referrals and or direct access/direct scheduled patients. Other duties as assigned. Physical Therapist is responsible for managing their clinic and working with their direct supervisor to modify and improve workflow to best serve the local PACT stakeholders. Considers age and developmental level, gender, education, cultural background, socioeconomic, medical and functional status when providing Physical Therapy services. Is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and reports to the appropriate authorities. Therapy services will be provided to an adult population of patients. The therapists level of responsibility in the physical therapy program is with complete independence and is responsible for maintaining high professional standards. The therapist displays courtesy, civility and constructive behavior, and expresses empathy for the legitimate needs and concerns of others. The therapist will meet the needs of customers while supporting the VA mission. Education and Experience: Completes annual mandatory training classes by hospital policy and practices the information learned to correct deficiencies and maintain a safe environment. Assists the CCCE in arranging and providing educational experiences for Physical Therapy students that affiliate with this facility, providing a suitable learning environment for the student by assisting the student when necessary and maintaining communication with the Physical Therapy Advisor from the Physical Therapy program. Physical Therapist evaluates the student's performance and provides constructive and timely feedback, guiding the student toward competency as a Physical Therapist. Completes continuing education for Physical Therapists annually to maintain a high level of professional competence, knowledge and skill, learn new treatment techniques, and explore new theories. Shares the knowledge with Physical Therapy staff. Administrative: Physical Therapist is directly responsible to their respective ECHCS Supervisor of Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS). While expected to make individual patient care decisions with autonomy, Therapist is expected to perform as part of the overall PM&RS team. Participates in program improvement work groups and has a working knowledge of departmental program improvement projects. Participates in multidisciplinary meetings as appropriate. Participates in PM&RS staff meetings and Physical Therapy staff meetings as established. Participates in Joint Commission activities and assists the department with maintaining survey readiness as required. Therapist is responsible for program development related to coordination, education and development of PT in Rural PACT initiative at the ECHCS Rural CBOC's. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-55677-A 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/.