Physical Therapist (Service Chief, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Routinely reviews and incorporates new research and best practices in the development of programming to meet the complex, dynamic and changing needs of Veterans served through PM&RS. Utilizes shared tools for communication and effectiveness.

Is independent in gathering information and resources to assist in development of rehabilitation providers and rehabilitation services. Cross covers departmental leadership, thus maintains at least minimal knowledge of overall functioning of all PM&S services. Responsible for completion of all assigned and appropriate tasks in a timely fashion.

Delegates responsibilities to subordinate section, planning, and scheduling work; assigning work to employees; accepting, amending or rejecting completed work; assuring that production and accuracy requirements are met; appraising performance and recommending performance standards and ratings; assigning delineated clinical privileges; approving leave; and affecting all levels of disciplinary measures.

Supervises, motivates, and manages effectively a diverse clinical staff in a large, Complex 1B health care system. Manages conflict; uses active listening and problem solving skills while remaining unbiased and maintaining respect for all parties and maintaining a functioning therapy department.

Plans and establishes the work schedules and makes assignments for the therapy staff in accordance with approved scope of practice, discipline practice standards and skill levels. Processes paperwork for the allocation of special contribution awards following established facility policy and budget guidelines.

Has oversite for PM&RS budget obligations and serves as contact for equipment requests; priorities, and manages budget for all supplies and equipment. Manages budget for PM&R departmental travel and tuition requests.

Assesses data and staffing needs, creating business plans for requesting additional staff, develops functional statements, designs interview questions and facilities selection of qualified staff to meet the departmental needs.

In the role of VISN 22 TBI/Polytrauma Lead, he / she provides leadership to other TBI/polytrauma programs across the VISN to support the sustainment and development of high quality, specialized, interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs for TBI/polytrauma Veterans and their families in need of those services.

He / she assesses need for continued education within the department and manages competency training to ensure quality care. Provides orientation and training for new staff. He / she assists in training and supervision of students, providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals.

Has overall responsibility for planning, assessing, and evaluating programs to ensure proper coordination between care delivered by the service and the overall delivery of health care within the facility; Exercises supervision, administrative management and direction of all professional areas in a unified PM&RS department and administrative management and program direction of the PANS.

Maintains records and statistical data as requested for the purpose of required reporting, workload management, data driven decisions, responds to suspense's, as well as program and service data. Reports are accurate and timely. Complies with all regulations, policies and procedures related to the safe and effective provision of PM&RS.

Ensures safe practices and ensures staff compliance with published safety policies and measures. Takes action on required safety modifications. Demonstrates the ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, and solve problems in order to meet multiple deadlines and identify/address organizational problems.

Assists medical center management in utilization review activities, quality improvement, and other administrative reporting. He/she actively follows the tenants of EEO. Has working knowledge of EEO and customer service tenants, harassment, ADR, and affirmative action and knows when to seek counsel regarding related issues.

Is familiar with applicable union contracts and knows the grievance process and policy. Works toward resolution of employee issues/complaints at the lowest level and refers unresolved grievances and complaints to appropriate sources. Maintains effective labor management relations within scope of practice.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Available Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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: (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: 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- 4 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. 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-14 Physical Therapist (Service Chief) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in multiple professional areas.

Skill in managing interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution in dealing with a range of employees, discipline lead(s), and administrators. Ability to translate extensive rehabilitation knowledge into local policy development. Ability to effectively supervise staff by providing clinical and administrative oversight.

This includes ability to manage resources, evaluate employees and assign work. Ability to collaborate with strategic planning committees at local, VISN or national levels for new ventures addressing patient care delivery systems, facilities management, system reorganizations, etc.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting should be anticipated routinely. Light to heavy lifting may be required at times.

Work discharge may require physical health, unhindered use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity.