Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)-Pain

Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex treatment objectives for those with chronic pain.

Exercises originality in solving problems not covered by conventional general physical therapy programs, makes innovative adaptations of the clinical procedures herein to meet the complex and highly varying needs of this patient population and advises other health care team members and students in this regard.

Performs complex physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18 - 90+ years old. Stage of life is considered and used to modify evaluation and treatment based on the current and anticipated needs of the individual.

Assessment of the patient's learning needs is performed and patient education is tailored to meet the needs involving the patient, family and significant others in the process as appropriate. Involves the patient, family/significant others and the interdisciplinary medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication.

Co-treatments provided with other professions (i.e., Behavioral Health) as needed pending the complexity of the patient.

Plans and implements a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge in the area of treating those with chronic pain.

These skills and interventions will be based on current physical therapy theory as well as emerging and up-to-date research and practice. Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who have multiple adverse comorbidities and combination of severe mental/emotional or physical disabilities.

Treatment will be provided in the facility's clinic and/or via VA Video Connect (VVC) or phone appointments as appropriate for the patient's needs. 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 personalized, innovative treatment techniques are used to obtain optimal outcomes. The coordination of multiple treatment approaches simultaneously is needed to accomplish complex treatment objectives. Critical assessment of treatment effectiveness and outcomes will be performed.

Discontinues physical therapy services when the client has achieved predetermined goals, has achieved maximum benefit from physical therapy services, or does not desire to continue services.

Prepares and implements a discharge plan that addresses follow-up resources, and identifies status between initial evaluation and discontinuation of services as well as completion of outcome data as appropriate. Assess, train and issue indicated orthotic and/or prosthetic equipment pertinent to those with both acute and chronic pain.

Makes recommendations and/or referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of this complex patient population. 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 consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the patients electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT practice, facility and service policies and procedures.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Possibility of weekend/holiday but not currently required Telework: Ad-hoc only, per Supervisor's discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Basic Requirements: United States 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:(1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist.(2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist.(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. 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. 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: 1.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 2.Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or 3.Completion of a fellowship program; or4.An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1.Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy. 2.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). 3.

Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy. 4. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy. 5.

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: VHA Experience or Training Preferred. Chronic Pain Specialist Training/Education Preferred.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.

Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.