Neurologic Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Neurologic PT clinical specialist - serves as the subject matter expert on the evaluation and treatment of neurologic issues and interventions provided by Physical Therapy. Serves as a consultant to Physical Therapists in evaluating and treating clients with neurologic conditions in the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Educates staff, physicians, and students regarding these interventions and techniques.

Qualifications:

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. Candidates must have:
  • A bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR
  • A master's in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR
  • A doctorate degree in physical therapy.
    • 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 above requirements 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.
• Language. Physical Therapists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d

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:
(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 FEBRUARY 7, 2018 VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12 II-G12-9
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

• 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 (see paragraph 2i).
• 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 (see Definitions, paragraph 2. i.).

Preferred Experience: 6-8 years of clinical experience in the specialty area of neurological physical therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with demonstrated experience supporting students as a clinical instructor or in clinical instructor training.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.

References: A Handbook 5005/99 Part II Appendix G12. Physical Therapist Qualification Standard, GS-0633, Veterans Health Administration.

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.

Responsibilities:

30 Day Hiring Model

The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.

What Applicants Can Expect

• Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.
• Quick Interviews & References

HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

• Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.
• Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come on board within 30 days of the announcement closing.

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY

• Serves as a subject matter expert in the areas of neurologic, pain, and musculoskeletal dysfunction, and as a consultant to Physical Therapy and other Medical Center staff in the evaluation and treatment of these patients.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expert clinical skills in providing assessment and treatment interventions across the continuum of care.
• Serves as a mentor to other therapists/students in the evaluation and treatment of the area of neurologic PT.
• Provides in-service and clinical training programs in the area of neurologic PT.
• Designs, conducts, and evaluates educational experiences for staff members in the area of neurologic PT.
• Establishes and maintains contact with other key staff involved in patient care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis at the VA Medical Center and VISN level.
• Develops and provides timely reports to the Supervisor, Physical Therapy Department, or Rehab Coordinator and Chief of PM&R.
• Responsible for Physical Therapy representation in interdisciplinary rounds in conjunction with neurologic PT services. Serves as Rehab Care Line representative in areas of neurologic PT as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Tour to be determined
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $128,886