Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) - Wheeled Mobility

Summary 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. The 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. Learn more about this agency Duties VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Major Duties: 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 conditions 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: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Ad-Hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of employment 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 dentification 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. 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: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. 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 postbaccalaureate 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 in subparagraph 3b 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. Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. Physical Requirements. Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). 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 KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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.). Preferred Experience: 5+ years of OT/PT experience, independently managing a caseload 1+ years experience in a seating and mobility clinic RESNA Credentialing as Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) or NRRTS equivalent 1+ year experience of coordination of patient care with a Complex Rehabilitation Technology supplier such as National Seating & Mobility, NuMotion, Reliable Medical, etc Advanced certified with RESNA as a Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS) 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. Qualification section continues in Education section below: 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Qualification section continued: Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds. Additional information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. 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