The NJVA Healthcare system-East Orange is currently recruiting for 1 Lead Physical Therapist located in the Physical Therapy Section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Responsible for completing complex evaluation and treatments applying advanced evaluation methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to a vast array of functional impairments and patients as well as providing clinical practice guidance for other staff Physical Therapists and leading a team. Duties include but not limited to: Evaluates patient's condition upon physician's referral to physical therapy to determine treatment plan. Evaluates patient's needs with respect to prescribed braces, orthotics and prostheses, and custom wheelchairs. Selects appropriate appliances, determines which suits the patient best, and recommends necessary modifications to provide for proper fit. Performs and interprets results of tests and measurements for use in preparing for modification and/or evaluation of patient treatment, and adjusts the treatment based on changes in patient's condition. Employs unusual motivational techniques to enlist patient participation and adapts equipment and procedures to carry out a full range of complex treatment activities. Serves as role model for students and others on the physical therapy staff. Recognizes age, development and cultural needs of patients. Provides physical therapy to hospitalized and outpatient veterans and employees, male and female, ages ranging from young adult to geriatric, having a variety of disabilities. Many cases are more complex, both chronic and acute, such as but not limited to high level spinal cord injuries and other neurological problems including Parkinsonism and multiple sclerosis, and incomplete spinal cord injuries. Ensures that the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision and values are communicated to the team and integrated into the team's strategies, goals, objectives, work plans and work products and services. The incumbent may, at times, be required to cover SCI/D and HBPC patients. Articulates and communicates to the team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Coaches the team in the selection and application of appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques, provide advice on work methods, practices and procedures, and assist the team and/or individual members in identifying the parameters of a viable solution. Leads the team in: identifying, distributing and balancing workload and tasks among employees in accordance with established work flow, skill level and/or occupational specialization; making adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned team tasks; and ensuring that each employee has an integral role in developing the final team product. Trains or arranges for the training of team members in methods and techniques of team building and working in teams to accomplish tasks or projects and provide or arrange for specific administrative or technical training necessary for accomplishment of individual and team tasks. Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work, checking on work in progress and reviewing completed work to see that the supervisor's instructions on work priorities, methods, deadlines and quality have been met. Serves as coach, facilitator and/or negotiator in coordinating team initiatives and in consensus building activities among team members. Maintains program and administrative reference materials, project files and relevant back-ground documents and make available policies, procedures and written instructions from the supervisor; maintain current knowledge to answer questions from team members on procedures, policies, directives, etc. Prepares reports and maintain records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required, and coordinate the preparation, presentation and communication of work-related information to the supervisor. Represents the team in dealings with the supervisor or manager for the purpose of obtaining resources (e.g., computer hardware and software, use of overtime or compensatory time), and securing needed information or decisions from the supervisor on major work problems and issues that arise. Reports to the supervisor periodically on team and individual work accomplishments, problems, progress in mastering tasks and work processes, and individual and team training needs. Leads the team in assessing its strengths and weaknesses and provide leadership to the team in exploring alternatives and determining what improvements can be made (e.g., in work methods, processes and procedures). Approves emergency leave for up to three days; eight hours or less for medical appointments; and/or other types of leave as delegated by management. Resolves simple, informal complaints of employees and refer others, such as formal grievances and appeals, to the supervisor or an appropriate management official. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
