Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Job Title Major duties to include but not limited to: Performs physical therapy evaluations and treatments for patients in the location of inpatient and outpatient settings, ages ranging from adult to geriatric, having a variety of disabilities and determines the most appropriate plan of care relative to the patient's diagnosis and age. Serves as a clinical instructor with the VAMC San Diego Physical Therapy Internship Program with specific mentoring and oversight of assigned DPT interns from various academic institutions across the country. Provides clinical oversight of DPT Interns, as well as mentoring affective professional skills. Serves as role model for PT Residents, students, and other PMRS/physical therapy staff in clinical competency, affective skills, and professionalism. Employs unusual/creative motivational techniques to enlist patient participation and adapt equipment and procedures to carry out a full range of complex treatment activities and interventions. Evaluates patient's condition upon appropriate referral to physical therapy to determine treatment plan by referring patients to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Primary Care, or other specialty providers when determined necessary. Performs and interprets results of tests and measurements for use in preparing for, modifying, and/or evaluating patients for treatment, and adjusts treatment based on changes in patient's condition. Evaluates patient's needs with respect to prescribed braces and orthotic devices and recommends necessary equipment items, or make modifications to existing items, and will provide, or assist in the application, to ensure the equipment has a proper fit and that all training requirements of such equipment are completed. Manages all applicable consults/referrals, coordinates scheduling, and maintains sufficient supplies and equipment from Prosthetics and Logistics departments needed for patient care. Establishes and maintains appropriate Quality Assurance monitoring as related to physical therapy and the Pelvic Rehab/Women's Health Physical Therapy clinic, including, but not limited to, patient outcomes, quality of care, and semi-annual documentation peer reviews. Reviews charts to assess appropriateness of referrals and possible contraindications for treatment, and communicates with the referring providers, as needed. Assists with scheduling patients for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care, and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team. Documents patient performance toward achieving treatment goals, manages time appropriately, and assures a high level of productivity and work efficiency. Assures all documentation is done according to VAMC San Diego policy for all patient visits and patient interactions requiring such notes. Provides continuing education in the form of in-services and clinical training programs to other clinicians, including physical therapists, residents, students, and other medical center staff. Perform other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Tour may vary. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. 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. US Department of Veterans Affairs