Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

<p>This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY FUNCTIONS: a. Clinical: Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet routine to complex treatment objectives for the orthopedic and general outpatient physical therapy population. The incumbent independently evaluates and assesses patients self-referred through direct patient referral to determine the treatment course to be followed. The incumbent performs specialized tests and measurements of relevant body systems using various methods including specific methods specialized for the orthopedic and general outpatient populations. The incumbent is knowledgeable and independent in medical screening for direct access provision of PT services. The incumbent performs and interprets results of tests and measurements of the patient's condition for use in preparing a treatment plan, modifying a treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment. The individual demonstrates advanced and continuously growing skill in the area of orthopedic and general outpatient patient population evaluation including the use of specialized outcome measures. The incumbent 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 general/orthopedic outpatient population and advises all other health care team members and students 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 services. Performs complex physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-100+ 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 implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a wide range of routine to complex and specialty interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are routine to complex, and procedures involved require the application of skills and knowledge in the area of orthopedic/general outpatient physical therapy. Treatment plans include use of specialty technologically advanced equipment when appropriate. Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill, or who have a combination of cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. Treatment will primarily be provided within the outpatient SORCC primary care (PACT) clinic, in the Physical Therapy department when needed, and in the community as appropriate for the patient's needs. These skills and interventions will be based on current physical therapy theory, research, and 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. The employment of innovative treatment techniques is used to obtain the best outcome. The coordination of multiple treatment approaches simultaneously is needed to accomplish routine to complex treatment objectives. Critical assessment of treatment outcomes will be regularly performed. Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment, including neuro prostheses, as needed and is able to make modifications as necessary. Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment. Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the physical therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility. Maintains a flexibility of schedule to allow for unscheduled patients, patient/team consultation and mentoring. Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT practice, facility and Rehabilitation Service policies and procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. 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/.