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. NOTE: This is a temporary promotion position to the grade of GS-13 for on-board permanent technicians who qualify for the position. After the end of the temporary promotion assignment, the employee will be reassigned back to their original position. Responsibilities 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. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm (Mon-Fri). Occasional Weekends. Functional Statement #: 91737509 VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. You must be a current, permanent, federal employee with the VA 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. § 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 (IMPORTANT) TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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/. 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. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.