Physical Therapist (Neurological)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Phoenix serves as the neurology-focused Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) for the VA Medical Center.

The role emphasizes evaluation and treatment of neurologic conditions, consultation with PT staff, and education of staff, physicians, and students. The position requires full licensure to practice PT in the United States and advanced qualifications in neurology, with potential involvement in teaching and program development within the medical

Qualifications

• Basic requirements include US citizenship and licensure to practice PT in the US.
• Licensure and CAPTE accreditation are required for entry-level PT programs.
• Graduate of CAPTE-accredited program and licensure in State/DC.
• Preferred qualifications include Neurologic Clinical Specialist certification or equivalent training.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert in neurology PT and consult to staff.
• Mentor therapists and students in evaluation and treatment of neurological conditions.
• Provide in-service and clinical training programs in neurologic PT.
• Design and evaluate educational experiences for staff in neurologic PT.
• Establish and maintain contact with other health care providers involved in patient care.
• Support discharge planning and participate in interdisciplinary rounds.

Skills

Neurology

Clinical specialist

Mentoring

Education

Education

Bachelor of Physical Therapy

Master of Physical Therapy

Doctorate in Physical Therapy

APTA CAPTE licensure

Job description

Summary

Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) - Neurology 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 and experience
• The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (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
• 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
• 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
• Loss of Credential
• A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation - which may result in termination of employment
• At the discretion of the appointing official - an employee may be reassigned to another occupation - if qualified - and if a placement opportunity exists
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: 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: 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
• OR4
• An additional advanced degree in a related field
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate 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
• 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: Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) certification through APTA- 5+ years of clinical practice - demonstrating progressive responsibility and clinical judgment Experience across both inpatient and outpatient settings - with strong competency in managing diverse neurologic caseloads History of instructing or supervising students - including providing structured feedback - supporting skill development - and contributing to clinical education initiatives Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13
• Physical Requirements: The incumbent of the position will meet and maintain physical and drug test program requirements for the position as required
• There will be periods of walking and ambulating patients - providing patient transfers - some lifting of 35 pounds and supporting patients
• Much of this position will involve sedentary work involving computers and communications.

Duties

• 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 onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing
• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Duties of the Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) - Neurology include but are not limited to the following: 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 - Tours may vary depending on the needs of the service
• 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