The individual in this assignment spends the majority of his/her time working as a Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. The program clinical specialist may be characterized as follows Independently solving complex problems related to Physical Therapy, adapting and modifying treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of patients with complex disorders. Basic Requirements: 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. 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. (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. 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 Grade Determinations: GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) (a) 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; or 4. An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs. (b) 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.). (c) Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and variety. Clinical Specialists spend at least 25% or greater of their time working with specialized population(s) within their department. Physical therapists at this level perform assignments in specialty areas such as geriatrics, neurology, cardiopulmonary, orthopedics, spinal cord injury, amputee, wound care, chronic pain, electromyography, women's health or pelvic health, polytrauma, brain injury, lymphedema, vestibular, assistive technology, seating and mobility. The individual is assigned responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in the content specialty area and as a consultant to physical therapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the specialty area. 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. Clinical Specialists have advanced training in specialized technology 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. If the medical center has a PT residency program, the clinical specialist may be on faculty for the program. Preferred Experience: APTA Board Certified References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. 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. ["MAJOR DUTIES:\nCLINICAL: Direct care: 65% divided as follows:\ni) Uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluating complex caseload to identify problems and baseline levels of function.\nii) Develops or modifies evaluation process to positively effect patient care.\niii) Develops appropriate treatment plans and goals; performs complex treatment procedures modifying the treatment according to the patient's changing medical condition or because of a variety of severe physical disabilities.\niv) Measures, fits, and instructs patients for the use of complex adaptive and assistive devices.\nv) Provides leadership and effectively coordinates patient care issues with other health care providers. Performs required documentation in a timely manner.\nvi) Recognized as a clinical authority and resource for identifying contra-indications and suggesting innovative treatment plans in specialty area. CLINCAL -Indirect: Teaching and Education 10%\ni) Has attained advanced training/certification and experience in the specialty area. Continually increases knowledge and skills by attending seminars, workshops, lectures, and in-services, especially in specialty field.\nii) Conducts in-service programs for the Rehabilitation Service and shares knowledge of new or improved techniques with staff.\niii) Acts as clinical supervisor and preceptor for Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant students as well as PT Residents. In coordination with the Clinical Educator, provides guidance to other therapist's concerning the duties and responsibility of a clinical instructor. ADMINISTRATIVE: (25%)\ni) Identifies operational problems for specialty area. Provides recommendations for problem resolution to the Clinical Manager.\nii) Works within the PM&RS and assigned team structures to resolve operational problems and provide the highest quality, most efficient patient care possible.\niii) In conjunction with Clinical Manager and Business Manager, provides recommendations and management of supplies and equipment for the specialty program serves.\niv) As directed by Clinical Manager, develops, maintains, and submits statistics and other required reports in appropriate timeframes.\nv) Provides input on the supervision of professional and support staff personnel for effective management of the specialty program served.\nvi) Serves as the VAPORHCS PT Residency Director for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist program.\nvii) Performs additional duties as assigned by Clinical Manger, Business Manager or Service Chief. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0700-1530\nTelework: Ad-hoc\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]