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The Physical Therapist Pain Management Clinical Specialist is a licensed independent health care professional responsible for providing clinical evaluation, assessment and treatment interventions across full range of conditions. The therapist at this level demonstrates advanced application of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with current physical therapy practice to address the unique needs associated with patients experiencing complex and persistent pain conditions. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 03/28/2023. 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. 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. Minimum Education Requirement: To qualify for this position, an applicant must have the following education: You must meet one of the requirements: 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: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees (eliminating the baccalaureate degree). Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. (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. (4) Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b 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-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: Applicants must meet the following licensure requirements to be considered for this position: The PT must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license, certification, or registration or trademark to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), 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. NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. Grade Determinations: 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 to the above requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs: A. Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy. B. 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) C. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy D. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy. E. 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.). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy GS 13. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1 hours); Standing (1 hours); Crawling (1 hours); Kneeling (1 hours); Repeated bending (1 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental and Emotional Stability ["The Physical Therapist Pain Management Clinical Specialist is a subject matter expert (SME) for Rehabilitation Service and serves as a role model within Rehabilitation for the evaluation and treatment of patients experiencing complex and persistent pain conditions. The incumbent's primary function is direct patient care providing physical therapy services to adult and geriatric patients in the specialty area of chronic pain using the Biopsychosocial Model of Pain Care. Clinical 75%: Evaluates and assesses patients, as assigned, to determine the treatment course to be followed. Performs tests and measurements of muscles, nerves, range of motion, posture, strength, ambulation, circulatory and respiratory status using various mechanical and electrical means. Performs and interprets results of tests and measurement of the patient's condition for use in preparing a treatment plan, modifying treatment, and evaluating results of treatment. Incumbent carries out test procedures, determines kind and degree of muscular reaction to tests and interprets results of tests. Performs physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-85+ years old. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a myriad of treatment modalities and procedures Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who have a combination of severe cognitive, emotional or physical conditions. Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and is able to make modifications as necessary. Provides appropriate complementary and alternative therapies. Establishes and participates in group classes (in-person or virtual) including but not limited to: lower extremity class, back class, gentle movement, etc. Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the physical therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility. Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT practice, facility, and Pain Care Team policies and procedures. Participates in regular team meetings, verbal and written communication and consultation amongst team members in order to guide and evaluate the work of the multi-disciplinary Pain Care Team. Assists in the care of patients other than those of the specialized area of the Pain Care Team as caseload permits, or as the needs of the department dictate. Education 20% Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for physical therapy students. Shares knowledge and expertise about the scope of physical therapy practice and services provided to the Pain Care Team population within patient are services, medical center and community. Completes educational activities and competencies to maintain state licensure and any additional certification(s) as required by the certifying/licensing agency and the VA. Completes annual mandatory reviews and other education as directed by National Headquarters, VISN, Medical Center, Service Line, and Department. Administrative 5% Actively participates in program development for the Pain Care Program to improve efficiency and quality of care provided to patients. Attends educational and development meetings for PM&R Service and Pain Care Team. Aware of and adheres to the Veterans Administration values, mission, rules, policies and procedures and the American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Practice and Standards of Ethics to ensure quality patient care. Aware of safety concerns, regulations, policies and procedures, and employs appropriate safety practices. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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