Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist - Orthopedics)

Serves as a clinical expert in specialized rehabilitation services, conducting patient evaluations, developing individualized treatment plans, and recommending adaptive equipment. Coordinates patient care, provides clinical consultation, mentors staff and students, and evaluates subordinate work. Supports quality assurance, maintains standards of care, and applies advanced treatment techniques to improve patient mobility, safety, function, and independence.

Conduct Comprehensive Patient Evaluations: Perform advanced clinical assessments to identify functional limitations, rehabilitation needs, and appropriate therapeutic interventions. Develop and Implement Individualized Treatment Plans: Establish and deliver specialized rehabilitation interventions to restore mobility, improve physical function, and maximize patient independence. Evaluate and Recommend Adaptive Equipment: Assess patient needs for durable medical equipment (DME), orthotics, mobility aids, and assistive devices to improve safety and functional mobility. Monitor Patient Progress and Modify Treatment: Evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust therapeutic interventions based on changing patient conditions, functional performance, and rehabilitation goals. Coordinate Interdisciplinary Patient Care: Collaborate with physicians, prosthetics personnel, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive, coordinated rehabilitation services. Develop Discharge Recommendations: Apply advanced clinical judgment to establish safe, appropriate discharge plans that support continued recovery and maximize patient independence. Provide Specialized Clinical Consultation: Serve as a subject matter expert, advising physical therapists and other healthcare professionals on complex patient evaluations, treatment approaches, and rehabilitation services. Educate Patients on Adaptive Equipment: Train patients in the safe and effective use of prescribed equipment to improve mobility, reduce injury risks, and support independent functioning. Mentor and Train Clinical Personnel: Provide specialized instruction, clinical guidance, and professional development to physical therapy staff, students, and other healthcare professionals. Support Quality Assurance and Clinical Standards: Monitor quality assurance data, maintain compliance with established standards of care, and support improvements in rehabilitation service delivery. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Available, ad-hoc only in accordance with agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54262-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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. Pre-Employment/Post-Employment Physical Examination: May be required, depending on the needs of the organization. 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. 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.