Summary As a member of the PT Section/Rehabilitation Service/SFVAHCS, this Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist (PT) independently evaluates veterans with impaired gait, balance, and other functional impairments. The incumbent plans, executes and, if necessary, modifies a full range of treatment procedures designed to optimize the veteran's functional independence and quality of life. Responsibilities This Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist will provide physical therapy services to veterans with neurological and other diagnoses that impact functional mobility in accordance with Rehabilitation Section policies and procedures, APTA, Physical Therapy Board of California guidelines and VA regulations governing the practice of physical therapy. The incumbent will spend at least 75% of their time working in this specialty area. A. Clinical 1) Demonstrates ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment with consideration for local Scope of Practice guidelines. This includes the ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services in the specialty area. 2) Serves as the subject matter expert in the area of neurological physical therapy and rehabilitation. 3) Demonstrates the ability to guide the work of a multidisciplinary treatment team. 4) Reviews and screens patient's medical record for appropriateness of PT intervention, noting any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and to assist in guiding the evaluation process. Screens outpatients for readiness to begin PT. 662 07174F GS-0633-13 Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist Exempt 3537 5) Performs comprehensive evaluations and examinations of patients who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or integumentary systems. Evaluations are conducted independently, and results are documented according to departmental and Medical Center standards. 6) Ability to provide coverage in multiple areas as needed such as inpatient, outpatient, community living center (CLC) B. Educational 1)) Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Physical Therapy practice through literature reviews and study of current research. Focuses efforts on neurological, vestibular, and balance diagnoses and interventions. Applies evidence-based treatment approaches to clinical practice. Regularly attends continuing education courses, conferences and inservices in the professional community and within VA. 2) Teaches and mentors Medical Center staff in the area of neurological rehabilitation. 3) Orients patient, physicians, allied health professionals, students, volunteers, and community representatives to the purpose and function of Physical Therapy in general and the Gait and Balance clinic in particular. 4) Provides in-services and clinical training programs on topics of neurological rehabilitation to peers and other Medical Center staff including nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals. Serves as a mentor to junior therapists and new hires. 5) Provides clinical oversight of students and interns on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA programs. Assists Site Coordinator for Clinical Education with developing and upgrading student training program content. C. Administrative 1) Records and submits in a timely manner productivity and workload information. Submits other data and reports as requested by Supervisor. 2) Assists with program development such as diagnosis specific programs/classes and curriculum content. 3) Understands and adheres to Rehabilitation Section's policies and procedures as outlined in Section manual. 4) Completes all patient related documentation activities in the required time frame including but not limited to documentation in the patient's record, and prosthetic requests. 5) Participates in PT quality improvement (QI) program by regularly contributing to the monitoring of important aspects of patient. VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Work Schedule: M-F 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: The basic requirements for employment as a VHA physical therapist are prescribed by Public Law 96-151 codified in 38 U.S.C. § 7402. To qualify for appointment, all applicants for the position of physical therapist in VHA must meet the following: Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned. 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 therapists. 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 post-baccalaureate 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. 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. 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). Preferred Experience: Current Assistive Technology Practitioner Certification (ATP) - RESNA. One (1) Year experience as a GS-12 in evaluation for and prescription of a wheelchair and seating systems for patients. Experience in working with multiple departments to support staff with a wheelchair and seating issues/needs. Ability to provide specialized wheelchair and seating evaluations to determine the needs for clients for wheelchair intervention, education, and training in the use of a prescribed wheelchair. Experience working in a Rehabilitation Clinic with Therapists. Independent with configuration and ordering of manual, power, recreational, wheelchairs, scooters, and any needed accessories. Grade Determinations: GS-13 Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Specialized 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 all following KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the following KSAs must be demonstrated in your resume. 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. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical 10 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 References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99, PART II, APPENDIX G12, APPENDIX G12. PHYSICAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0633, dated Feb 7, 2018.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-13. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (Intermittent; 45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (Intermittent; 45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (Intermittent; up to 5 hour); Pushing (Intermittent; up to 5 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (Intermittent; up to 6 hours); Standing (Intermittent; up to 6 hours); Repeated bending (Intermittent; up to 6 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted). Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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.