The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist). The Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) will function in Spinal Cord Injury Service. 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 1. Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR 2. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR 3. Doctorate degree in physical therapy. 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 must 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. Loss of Credential. A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation, if qualified, and if a placement opportunity exists. 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 Grade Level Requirements for a Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) GS-13 Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the incumbent must possess 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. Experience at the GS-12 level may include: 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. Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors. Ability to interpret findings from examination and evaluation, select appropriate test and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated. Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence. Ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs. 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 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 Preferred Qualifications: Experience with SCI, Neurology, and/or Rehabilitation population Neurologic residency in Physical Therapy and/or Doctorate in Physical Therapy References: VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12 Full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Incumbent must be able to physically perform heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over. Incumbent must have use of: fingers, both hands required, both legs required (to include 1 prosthetic), far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), and mental and emotional stability. Incumbent must be able to perform reaching above shoulder, walking (up to 8 hours), standing (up to 8 hours). ["Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialists) spend their time working with specialized population(s) within their department. Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialists) are expected to perform within the full scope of their duties which include but are not limited to: The individual is assigned responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in Spinal Cord Injury and as a consultant to physical therapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the specialty area. Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialists) have advanced knowledge and demonstrate expert clinical practice skills in providing assessment and treatment interventions across the continuum of care. He/she utilizes advanced knowledge and expertise to modify treatment plans and to identify therapeutic activity interventions based on the changing needs, goals and performance of patients. Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialists) have advanced training in specialized technology and interventions related to their area of practice. He/she establishes and maintains contact with other health care providers involved in patient care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis. He/she exercises expert professional judgment to establish appropriate discharge planning recommendations to ensure safe discharge from inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialists) provide oversight and training for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, and newly hired staff including but not limited to: Assigning and monitoring caseload; actively managing plans of care of PTA's; oversight and review of documentation; assuring appropriate billing of services. Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialists) serve clinical mentors and associate faculty in the Residency Program. He/She provides education in Spinal Cord Injury for other professional training and residency programs within the Medical Center and it's associated clinics. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results