Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Veterans Health Administration • Brockton, MA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) works in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services at the VA Boston Healthcare System, providing outpatient physical therapy services at the Brockton campus and Plymouth CBOC. The position is full-time at 40 hours per week and includes weekend and holiday rotations at West Roxbury Acute Care. The therapist practices independently under the general guidance of the Service Line Care Manager and Outpatient Physical Therapy Supervisor, providing care to patients with complex conditions and making autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment.

The role is classified at GS-13. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with work at Brockton on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and at Plymouth on Wednesday and Friday. Weekend and holiday rotations take place at West Roxbury Acute Care. Compressed or flexible scheduling and telework are not authorized, and the position is not virtual. Travel to other Boston campus locations may be required.

The work includes physical demands such as standing, stooping, frequently lifting more than 50 pounds, sitting, pulling, assisting patients with transfers between beds, wheelchairs, floors, motorized vehicles, and mats, and moving patients and supplies. The therapist may push patients in manual or motorized wheelchairs and uses a computer workstation to document patient incidents and progress in physical therapy programs.

Requirements

• Meet one of the education and experience pathways: a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy and five years of progressively independent experience; a master's degree in Physical Therapy and two years of progressively independent experience; or a doctorate degree in physical therapy.
• Graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited college or university, subject to the stated provisions for foreign graduates and grandfathered employees.
• Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Have one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-12.
• Meet one specialty qualification: at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area within the past two to five years; ABPTS-recognized board certification in the specialty area; completion of a fellowship program; or an additional advanced degree in a related field.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and expert skill in specialized physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities.
• Demonstrate the ability to consult with health care providers about care in a specialized physical therapy content area.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized physical therapy content area.
• Demonstrate the ability to guide a multidisciplinary team in a specialized physical therapy content area.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and expert skill in performing and interpreting specialized procedures and tests to evaluate treatment outcomes.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and any required drug testing for a testing-designated position.
• Meet background and security investigation requirements and complete required onboarding and application documentation.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA Health Care Personnel employee.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Strong leadership, communication, and teaching skills.
• Orthopedic and/or geriatric physical therapy expertise.
• A growth mindset and commitment to supporting the team, department, and system.
• High autonomy in advanced clinical decision-making and system or process improvement.
• Program development experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and treatment, particularly for patients with complex conditions.
• Apply advanced clinical knowledge and skills within the designated specialty area.
• Make autonomous clinical decisions regarding patient evaluation and treatment.
• Independently evaluate and treat patients in a Direct Access environment.
• Interpret examination findings and diagnostic studies, select appropriate clinical tests and measures, and integrate findings into physical therapy plans of care.
• Establish physical therapy diagnoses and determine appropriate interventions or referrals for further consultation when needed.
• Serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding care in the specialty area.
• Teach and mentor medical center staff in the specialty area.
• Guide the work of a multidisciplinary team in the specialty area.
• Perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests to evaluate treatment outcomes.
• Document patient incidents and progress in the patient's physical therapy program.
• Participate in weekend and holiday rotations at West Roxbury Acute Care.
• Travel to other Boston campus locations when required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree