Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Physical Therapist's primary function is direct patient care in the Physical Therapy Section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS). The physical therapist (PT) is responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals.

• ???????Duties include: Provides clinical instruction for at least 1 PT student rotation per year. Performing specialized tests and measurements of relevant body systems using various methods including specific methods specialized for the Primary care and general outpatient populations. Understanding medical screening for direct access provision of PT services. Performing and interpreting results of tests and measurements of the patient's condition for use in preparing a treatment plan, modifying a treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment. Demonstrating advanced and continuously growing skill in the area of Primary care and general outpatient patient population evaluation including the use of specialized outcome measures. Exercising originality in solving problems not covered by this guide, makes innovative adaptations of the clinical procedures herein to meet the complex and highly varying needs of the general/musculoskeletal outpatient population and advises all other health care team members and students in this regard. Responsible for making autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services. Providing treatment to patients with the diagnoses of upper and lower extremity orthopedic surgery; degenerative conditions of the spine including spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis; mild to severely impaired patients with stroke and other brain injury; musculoskeletal disorders; central and peripheral neurological diagnoses; pelvic floor, and cardio/pulmonary conditions status post-surgery or medical treatment. Establishing meaningful, realistic ad measurable therapeutic goals and designs a treatment plan to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner. Completes appropriately timed reevaluations for the patients and modifies the goals based on the information gained by reevaluation. Communicates effectively with medical providers as needed. Demonstrating advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in primary care PT populations (e.g. comprehensive multisystem assessments beyond the musculoskeletal system including cardiopulmonary, integument, neurologic, lymphatic, pain and function). Advanced ability to incorporate relevant findings from laboratory tests, pulmonary function tests, imaging and other medical tests in the comprehensive management of the PACT PT population. Providing physical therapy on VA supported virtual platforms as well as face to face interventions. Interacting with all stakeholders in a courteous, respectful and helpful manner actively supporting the Mission and Vision of the Ann Arbor VA and Ann Arbor PMRS Department. Responsible for patient confidentiality, HIPPA and cyber security regulations with respect to patient information in compliance with the Medical Center's "Patient Rights and Responsibilities". ?Serves as a resource person to the Community and/or the Facility in matters related to Primary care PACT, the delivery of health care, and the needs of the veteran population. In addition, the therapist is responsible for his/her own professional development, keeping current with treatment techniques as well as licensure. Maybe assigned to all program areas which are covered by the Service and provide professional, independent physical therapy services in the assigned area. The therapist is responsible for maintaining comprehensive knowledge and skills for each therapy area CLINICAL According to department policies, incumbent is authorized to perform complex examination and treatment of patients representing a wide scope of ages and diagnoses, rendering varied modalities inherent in their profession. Patient Evaluation- Demonstrates the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to provide treatment appropriate to patients despite complexity served on his/her assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge of the changes associated with the aging/disease processes as well as possesses the ability to assess the patient's status to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/ser age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs. Patient Treatment- After initial evaluation of patient, formulates progressive treatment plans and goals, and is responsible for implementation, modification, and documentation of the treatments. Apply advanced treatment methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to a vast array of functional impairment and patients, as well as provide clinical practice guidance for other staff physical therapists. Monitor and evaluate clinically appropriate treatment programs. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93291A

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