Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) - SCI Orthotics/Custom Seating

About the role

Incumbent is assigned to the SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) Program. Develops the physical therapy program for patients treated on the SCI Unit.

Goals of treatment are to demonstrate advanced skills with the SCI population to evaluate physical and cognitive functioning; maintain, restore, and enhance performance and potential for independent living; maximize function within their lifestyle and aide in the understanding of disability, and recommend appropriate placement or discharge plan.

What you will do

• THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES.
• FOR MORE INFORMATION, REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW.
• Duties will include, but are not limited to: Demonstrates advanced skills in Orthotics/Custom Seating to include comprehensive and procedural knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, movement science, pathology/pathophysiology, pain science.
• Medical and surgical considerations, and orthopedics physical therapy theory and practice.
• They are familiar with kinesiology/clinical biomechanics, neural control of movement, ergonomics and locomotion as it relates to spinal cord injury.
• Familiar with orthotics and custom seating as it relates to spinal cord injury.
• Can recognize the signs and symptoms of disease/injury as it pertains to orthopedics and spinal cord injury.
• They recognize the progression of disease/injury processes, pathokinesiology, tissue inflammation, healing and repair.
• Familiar with spinal cord injury and peripheral neuropathic pain physiology, and central nervous system pain physiology.
• They demonstrate abilities to read imaging studies, are familiar with pharmacology, ancillary tests, and nonsurgical medical interventions and their implications for orthopedic physical therapy.
• They are familiar with surgical interventions and their implications for orthopedic physical therapy and spinal cord injury.
• Can demonstrate skills in exercise physiology, manual therapy techniques, motor control and motor learning, therapeutic exercise, and principles of prevention and wellness.
• Continuously re-evaluates patient performance making appropriate modifications to the treatment plan as indicated.
• Regularly presents patient information to the physician and other team members regarding patient physical and psycho-social performance, current status, and continuing goals in interdisciplinary meetings.
• Mentors peers in orthopedic evaluation and issuance by acting as a resource on Orthotics/Custom Seating to both locally and nationally; clinicians mentored will be VA therapists as well as private sector therapists.
• Develops educational offerings for occupational therapists, recreation therapists, non-therapy staff (including nursing, social work, psychologists) on orthopedic interventions.
• SCI PT Clinical Specialist works with multi-disciplinary staff problem-solving Veteran accommodation for orthopedic interventions which may include changes to room and home set-up Provides advanced expertise and training to physical therapists and physical therapy assistants assigned to the SCI service with additional focus on Orthotics/Custom Seating clinical interventions.
• Provides input to SCI Therapy Manager for the development and/or revision of physical therapy department policy and procedures as requested.
• Demonstrates skills in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current physical therapy theory, recent research and practice.
• Responsible for coordinating patients' physical therapy schedule with other disciplines so that quality of care is maintained.
• Documents initial evaluation, writes notes, completes discharge summaries all within departmental time standards.
• Provides input for family conferences, input for SCI team meetings, and any other meetings impacting the patient's care Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, occasional Saturdays Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• A valid state issued driver's license with a clean driving history in accordance with VA Policy to drive a government vehicle.
• Ability to operate and drive a government vehicle as determined by an Occupational Health driving physical examination.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Qualifications requirements continue: 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: The preferred candidate will have three years SCI PT experience, RIDE Certified, Orthotic/Prosethetic certification / licensure, and/or experience with wounds and fracture management in SCI.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit *** actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: This position requires light to heave lifting (under 15 pounds to 44 pounds and over), light to heave carrying ( under 15 pounds to 44 pounds and over), reaching over shoulders, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, repeated bending, both legs required, ability to rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, mental and emotional stability.

Environmental factors include: outside and inside and working alone. Operation of motor vehicle. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.

You can verify your education here: *** If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.