Summary
The primary function of this the position is to take the lead role in the evaluation for and prescription of a wheelchair and seating systems to patients referred to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service in Temple, Texas.
This is a temporary position.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to the public.
All Internal Agency Candidates (Permanent Employees of the VHA) should apply using Job Announcement Number CAZM-12465284-24-BK.
Duties
The CTVHCS is recruiting for a highly qualified Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) for the PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATIVE SERVICE located in TEMPLE, TX.
The Primary Purpose of this Position is:
- The Wheelchair and Seating Specialist's responsibilities include current advances in a wheelchair and seating technology, train peers in wheelchair and seating as needed; support staff with a wheelchair and seating needs; serves as a liaison between the PM&RS and Prosthetics Service. The incumbent attends meetings as needed; improves and streamline processes in the Wheelchair and Seating prescription process; performs program development for the wheelchair and seating needs; order new equipment needed for successful evaluation and training purposes for patients; fulfill other administrative duties as needed.
- Incumbent addresses PM&RS issues as they relate to wheelchair and seating across CTVHCS; direct the clinic scheduling activity with PM&RS schedulers as needed; act as a liaison between staff therapists and supervisor. Provide professional oversight and consultation for staff therapists; function as a rehabilitation resource and expert to the health care professionals. The physical therapist also assists in the growth and development of more junior physical therapists by serving as a mentor and model for outstanding clinical practice and through participation in research and educational activities.
Clinical Practice-Patient Evaluations:
- The incumbent's primary responsibility is to provide specialized wheelchair and seating evaluations to determine the needs for the client for wheelchair intervention, education, and training in the use of the prescribed wheelchair. He/she is independent with the configuration and ordering of manual, power, recreational, sports wheelchairs, and scooters, and any needed accessories. The incumbent is responsible for entering appropriate prosthetics requests in a timely manner and for training patients and family/caregivers in correct use and management of prescribed wheelchair/scooter, cushions, or other adaptive equipment.
- Outside of wheelchair clinic responsibilities, the incumbent conducts an independent and specialized evaluation of the patient to determine Physical Therapy needs. Primary evaluation procedures/methods include, but are not limited to: a review of the medical record, review of past wheelchair/equipment prescriptions. Evaluations are frequently complex and may require adaptation to accommodate multiple physical and emotional disabilities or conditions.
- Evaluations address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age-appropriate level. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them are developed and implemented to ensure accurate patient evaluation.
- Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharge planning in concert with the Physical Therapy and Medical Center staff.
- Reviews and analyses the effectiveness of treatments, and develops new treatment programs which apply current research and evidence-based practice. Assists/encourage other Physical Therapy staff in the same.
- Represents the section, when designated, at clinics, planning conference, and assigned medical meetings.
- Covers for absent staff members to ensure continuity of care.
Administrative Functions
- Patients are scheduled for evaluation in such a manner as to not negatively impact other clinical staff yet meet the patient's needs.
- Provides and arranges for in-service training programs for PM&RS and other services.
- Responsible for participating and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and techniques related to Wheelchair Seating and Assessment and other related topics.
- Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Physical Therapy practice through literature reviews, a study of current Evidence Base Research and clinical practice and through attendance at continuing education courses and conferences.
- Serves as Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant students as assigned. Observes and evaluates their performance in order to assess their capabilities as physical therapists utilizing evaluation guides provided by affiliated educational institutions.
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY
Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri). Occasional Weekends.
Functional Statement # 91737509
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- You must be a current, permanent, federal employee to apply for this position.
- 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.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Texas and Federal Drivers License to operate a Government Vehicle.
- 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
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. ยง 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 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 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.
- Provides 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 in working in a Rehabilitation Clinic with Therapists.
- Independent with configuration and ordering of manual, power, recreational, wheelchairs, scooters, and any needed accessories.
Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, you must meet the specialized experience and demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities below:
- 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 all 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.
- 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.
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
ACCREDITATION INFORMATION: The Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree must be fully accredited by the 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 American Physical Therapy Association | APTA.
- If your school was accredited by CAPTE at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CAPTE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
- 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/.
- If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Transcript
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
"Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement."
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/11/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12465280.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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