Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Physical Therapist Pain Clinical Specialist

The Physical Therapist Pain Clinical Specialist who works at this level provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care. Collaborates with the pain medicine team and guided by the Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMOP). Responsible for serving as the subject matter expert for persistent/chronic pain physical therapy and provides consultation to physical therapy peers and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients with pain conditions seen by the pain medicine team. Services provided by this position may include providing professional clinical services, carrying out education and training activities, clinical consultation, supervision, and administration. In performing these duties, the Pain Clinical Specialist demonstrates professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of physical therapy. Provides a range of outpatient physical therapy services to support various service lines at VAPIHCS including but not limited to PM&R, GEC, Primary Care, Specialty Care, Pain Teams, SCI/D, Whole Health, Women's Health, and provide long term and transitional rehabilitative services to veterans within the community living center. Work as part of the rehabilitation care team in a variety of settings and is the professional expert in the realm of functional mobility and ability. Evaluates and interprets information from a detailed evaluation and formulates the Physical Therapy plan of care.

Clinical Functions: The Physical Therapist Pain Clinical Specialist spends at least 25% or greater of their time working with specialized population(s) 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. 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. Establishes and maintains contact with other health care providers involved in patient care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis. Exercise expert professional judgment to establish appropriate discharge planning recommendations to ensure safe discharge from inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. Acts as subject matter expert related to pain care including evidence informed treatment techniques, modalities and other PMR interventions. Serve as a consultant/mentor to PM&R and VAPIHCS staff including departmental and facility level education and acts as point of contact to disseminate information from local, VISN and National Pain PT programs. Performs examinations and evaluations of individuals who have, or may develop, impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors. Interprets findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests and, during evaluation, selects appropriate clinical tests and measures, and then integrates findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. Makes autonomous clinical decisions, including establishing a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy, identifying the appropriate intervention(s) to treat, determining a physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences for meaningful level of function in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes, and/or referring to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. Utilize pertinent information to develop protocols, recognize any constrain indications or precautions, and modify treatment as needed for patient's changing medical condition(s) and appropriately delegates care to physical therapy assistants and provides appropriate clinical supervision of this care, including scheduling of appointments in accordance with both patients' needs and licensing requirements.

Work Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm

Telework: Ad hoc: may be authorized at Supervisory discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 07051F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized