Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

• This Physical Therapist is assigned responsibility for serving as a subject matter expert in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. He/she acts as a consultant to Physical Therapists, doctoral interns, PT residents, and other hospital staff in evaluating and treating patients based on knowledge and experience in orthopedic physical therapy. Incumbent must meet the basic requirements of a physical therapist, as well as the advanced knowledge requirements of the Clinical Specialist, as defined in the Qualification Standards for Physical Therapy, VA Handbook 5005/24, Part II, Appendix G. This position is located in the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) of the James A. Haley (JAH) Veterans Hospital Functions: Has current knowledge of contemporary Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines and Clinical Prediction Rules across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to apply this advanced knowledge to provide clinical guidance to Staff Physical Therapists within the department. The incumbent has extensive specialized training in orthopedic physical therapy and demonstrates a full professional understanding of the current concepts of orthopedic physical therapy treatments and their applications. The incumbent demonstrates expertise in examining, evaluating, developing, and implementing treatment programs for clients with complex musculoskeletal problems based on the current evidence and best practices for client management. He/she utilizes advanced skills in differential diagnosis while assessing for intensity of PT services, appropriateness of referrals, and readiness of clients to make changes/participate in therapy. Incumbent manages client care at a highly skilled level by practicing advanced clinical problem solving, recognizing adverse pharmacological reactions, red flags, and refers client for medical follow-up as appropriate. He/she is highly skilled in orthopedic specialty testing and especially in the interpretation and utilization of these tests to guide his/her practice. Based on findings from a thorough examination and evaluation, the incumbent plans an effective goal-directed treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the impairment, functional limitation and/or disability being treated. Education: Professional Growth and Continuing Competency - Maintains a high level of professional competence by continuing participation in learning experiences/continuing education courses pertaining to the area to which assigned. This Clinical Specialist participates in, provides and attends Physical Therapy section in-services as well as service and hospital-wide in-services. The incumbent completes all required VA annual mandatory training. Trainee Supervision - He/she has a responsibility to the profession and this facility to assist with the instruction of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant trainees assigned to this facility for clinical affiliations. This Clinical Specialist possesses skills commensurate with that responsibility. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4pm, Monday-Friday Telework: Not Available-Ad Hoc basis Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 71259F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact V8_EDRP_Tampa@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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