Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

<p>The Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) position is located at Marion VA Medical Center within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) service line. One position is located in Marion, Illinois and another is located in Evansville, Indiana. Incumbents administers a full range of PT procedures to meet complex treatment objectives for patients whose illness is acute, critical or chronic in nature requiring expertise in highly specialized skills, knowledge and experience.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Clinical Incumbent is responsible for complete and thorough evaluation of each assigned patient as well as execution of special testing procedures: manual muscle tests; isokinetic testing; goniometrics; sensory testing; functional and self-care evaluations; hemiplegic motor function evaluations; vital signs; electrical evaluations using TENS and electrical muscle stimulator. Assesses the goals, living skills, physical abilities and related needs for clientele referred to PT Services or the Pain Management Team. Develops a treatment plan directed toward achieving maximum level of functioning, consulting with other disciplines as indicated and developing the plan in collaboration with the patient and caregiver. Implements the PT treatment plan by: providing direct patient care; procuring necessary equipment/adaptive devices; training the patient and caregiver concerning exercises, activities of daily living, rehabilitation techniques and equipment/adaptive devices; fabricating splint/orthotics as needed, and recommending community referrals. Reassesses client's level of functioning, revising the treatment plan as indicated and terminating treatment when objectives are met and/or the patient has achieved maximum benefit from treatment. Evaluates the need for additional services and uses professional judgment to initiate consultation with other professionals to provide such services. Evaluates for at-home needs in order to promote the patient's safety and independence. Assists patients/caregivers in applying for HISA grants. Serves as content expert in ordering complex and specialized equipment. Provides care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Identifies patient and caregiver learning needs and provides and documents patient and caregiver education. Develops and coordinates educational materials for patients and caregivers as indicated by PT assessment and Joint Commission standards. Documents assessments, treatment plans, services and education provided and response to services and education according to Medical Center policy, PMRS procedures and Joint Commission standards. Functions as a Subject Matter Expert for the Pain Management Team, regularly discussing patient performance in physical therapy, current status and continuing goals. Works effectively with team members and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Education: Maintains professional competency through documented and appropriate continuing education for professional and personal growth. Maintains professional national certification. Attends in-service training programs, lectures and staffing to remain familiar with current PT practices. Attends and completes mandatory training required by the facility and meets annual educational requirements. Orients, trains and/or supervises PT and PTA students, trainees or residents assigned to the PT department. Serves as a consultant to the other health professionals in the evaluation of patients with multiple and complex problems for which highly specialized knowledge and skills are required. Provides specialized training in the areas of chronic pain management to members of the rehab team and to other health care providers at the facility. Administrative: Adheres to established standards, policies and procedures set forth by section, service and medical center. Manages resources (time, materials, staff) in a cost- effective manner. Assists program and service line in achieving compliance with regulatory agency standards, including state, federal and Joint Commission standards. Actively participates in Medical Center committees and task forces. Initiates service recovery when patients or caregivers report complaints or concerns Supports Performance Improvement activities by identifying processes to be improved, participating in the development of monitoring indicators and evaluation criteria, collecting data, implementing process changes, monitoring outcomes and initiating corrective actions. Independently assumes responsibility for physical therapy development as it relates to the Pain Management program. This includes negotiating program content with clinical team members with divergent backgrounds and points of view. Establishes and maintains appropriate QA monitors related to PT and the Pain Management program Accurately and timely records patient treatment, progress notes, etc. into patient records via the CPRS based system. Actively supports and promotes all programs of PM&R Services. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorize Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorize</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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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/.