Physical Therapist

This position is located in the SCI Therapy Department of the SCI/D Care Line at the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMV AHCS). Position includes services to the outpatient, and in-patient Spinal Cord Injury Clinics. The SCI PT at this grade level practices independently and is responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools.

Duties include, but are not limited to: CLINICAL DUTIES Demonstrates expertise in examining, evaluating, developing, and implementing treatment programs for geriatric adult and adult patients with complex spinal cord injury problems or diseases, and concurrent medical conditions and co-morbidities based on the current evidence and best practices for client management. This physical therapist has extensive knowledge, experience and skill in the prescription, fitting, and training in the use of specialty equipment utilized by this patient population. This includes assistive technology, mobility devices for gait and wheeled mobility, lifts and lift systems, devices for activities of daily living and other orthotics/prosthetic devices specific to the SCI/D population. Ability to perform evaluations and treatment interventions in the therapy pool to improve impairments and functional limitations. Demonstrates knowledge of water safety for providing a safe environment. The physical therapist provides SCI Home Care physical therapy as needed, through home visits, video to home evaluations/treatments and Clinical Video Telehealth interventions and team meetings. Independently uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluating issues in the home environment to identify potential problems and baseline of function. Independently develops and implements appropriate treatment plans and goals to increase patient safety and level of independence. Determines appropriate home modifications needed to increase patient safety and level of independence. Modifications may include recommendations for the installation of ramps, grab bars, widening of door frames, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for wheelchair accessibility, movement of furniture for better room accessibility, and wheelchair modifications. Monitors patient's tolerance for therapeutic procedures, including tolerance for prescribed adaptive equipment. Recognizes rates of progress, signs of altered physical or mental of patient, or undesired secondary effects of treatment. Based on findings from a thorough examination and evaluation, the incumbent plans an effective goal-directed treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the impairment, functional limitation and/or disability of the client being treated. Implements the treatment program and modifies it as needed to achieve goals. Participates on clinical interdisciplinary teams/clinics to provide direct care, input, and supportive information necessary for optimal outcomes in Veteran care. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVIES The clinician enhances their knowledge and skill in SCI/D by participating in continuing professional development. Completes all required VA annual mandatory training. Attends mandatory in-service training as required by VA, SCI/D Care Line and OT policies and Directives. Instructs patients on what is expected of them to achieve the desired treatment objectives and goal. Educates family members concerning patient's rehabilitation status, limitations, and prognosis. Provides in-services to the SCI staff and other hospital personnel on SCI PT evaluation and treatment procedures. Arranges and serves to the SCI staff in-service training programs. Participates in the supervision and clinical instruction of PT interns. ACCOUNTABILITY Determines objectives and sets priorities. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Exhibits VA core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE). Notifies supervisor of significant program error, dissatisfaction customer, or an perceived violations of law or official wrongdoing including fraud, waste, abuse of authority, and violations of VA core values. Ensures all certifications, licenses, competencies, and training requirements are current with no lapses. Assesses compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARP), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and other program review criteria that governs service and ensures requirements are in place and functioning properly. SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL Monitors equipment used by the patients to ensure the equipment is functioning maximally and properly calibrated to give accurate measures and ensure patient safety. Maintains clinic area and equipment in a safe manner in accordance with safety and infection control policies, Joint Commission and CARF standards, and other relevant regulatory policies. Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention, i.e., handwashing, use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), and standard precautions/isolation procedures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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. 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.