Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist)

at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Hines, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary The primary function of this Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist – Orthopedic) is direct patient care of patients referred to the Kinesiotherapy Department, Orthopedic Clinic and acute rehabilitation floor. Responsibilities The primary function of this Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist – Orthopedic) is direct patient care of patients referred to the Kinesiotherapy Department, Orthopedic Clinic and acute rehabilitation floor. The Clinical Specialist – Orthopedic is responsible for organizing, developing, and coordinating the treatment of patients from Orthopedic and Physical Medicine Rehabilitation consultations and Orthopedic Surgery. Major Functions: Clinical: Performs and interprets specialized evaluation procedures of the patients referred to his/her care and determines the treatment course according to the findings. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment plan designed to maximize the patients’ functional potential. Instructs the patient and family/caregiver regarding therapeutic interventions such as exercises, transfers, ambulation, skin care, safety precautions. Serves as subject matter expert and role model for the other therapists in the department. Works with a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and carrying out the treatment program and has the necessary advanced skills to address the complexity of the management of the specific patient impairments. Supervises/mentors and provides clinical guidance to inexperienced Kinesiotherapy staff; may be required to be a clinical instructor for Kinesiotherapy students. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of musculoskeletal deficits, urinary problems, skin problems, cognitive impairments, sensory deficits, pulmonary conditions as well as understanding of psychological or psychosocial factors that may impact the patient’s progress. Evaluates and orders any equipment needed by patient including ambulatory assistive devices. Routinely consults and communicates with physicians from all specialties and other healthcare personnel. Performs assessments and treatments in traditional rehabilitation settings such as: clinics, hospital-based, residential, telephone consultations, wellness settings, and/or through complementary settings like virtual health care (telemedicine, secure messaging, and electronic consultations). Education: Attends educational opportunities regarding conditions of patients assigned to his/her care. Reviews and updates other staff members to significant research findings in the area of their specialty. Provides in-services to Kinesiotherapy staff, physicians/residents, interdisciplinary teams, for their professional development. Assists/cooperates with the Chief of Kinesiotherapy in preparation of any audits to be presented to the Performance Improvement (PI) committee as well as other PI activities. Administrative: Attends and participates in scheduled and appointed professional programs committee meetings, workshops, conferences and seminars. May conduct informal and formal clinical research; stays abreast of ongoing research and professional publications in Kinesiotherapy. Directs, counsels, and mentors other therapists in their specialty area. Serves as a subject matter expert their specialty area and as a consultant to staff in evaluating patients who are referred to Kinesiotherapy with diagnoses under their specialty. Participates in System Redesign. Maintains patient attendance and other statistics as required. Student Supervision: Supervises Kinesiotherapy students (Kinesiotherapy Center of Excellence) while in their specialty clinical area. Assists the Chief of Kinesiotherapy in developing and upgrading the student program related to the field of Kinesiotherapy. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday 7:30 am-4:30 pm with occasional weekends and holidays Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED): A bachelor’s degree or higher from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program, with a concentration/emphasis in kinesiotherapy; OR A bachelor’s degree or higher with a concentration/emphasis in kinesiotherapy or exercise science related field and registered as a Kinesiotherapist in good standing with the COPSKT. (COPY OF REGISTRATION REQUIRED); OR A master’s degree or higher with a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, human performance or a related field, which has been approved by COPSKT and a certificate verifying completion of a Center of Excellence (COE) Kinesiotherapy clinical training program. (COPY OF CERTIFICATE REQUIRED) OR Foreign Graduates: Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree as described above AND have a full unrestricted and current registration to practice kinesiotherapy in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or in the District of Columbia. (FOREIGN EQUIVALENT EVALUATION REQUIRED) (COPY OF REGISTRATION REQUIRED) Registration: All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. Grade Determinations: Specialized Experience, GS-12: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level (may include, but not limited to: specialized knowledge and demonstrated clinical competence related to a particular diagnosis, patient population, or treatment area and has an increased depth and breadth of practice skills. Experience refining programs and introducing new approaches for providing treatment in developing, initiating and refining treatment programs through current research and best practices of the profession. Experience demonstrating skills and techniques in a specialty area and/or specific population who have varying degrees of highly complex physical, psychological and/or physiological disorders. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) GS-12: In addition to the experience and/or education listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs to be appointed at the GS-12 grade level: Ability to act as a consultant and mentor in evaluating and treating patients in specialty program areas by providing professional oversight and consultation for staff therapists, students, and interns. Knowledge of current evidence-based practice for kinesiotherapy across multiple clinical areas and to provide clinical guidance to staff. Ability to act as a liaison between staff therapists and supervisor b