Physical Therapist (Service Chief)-Geriatrics and Extended Care
United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Kansas City, MO
posted 20 days ago
About the position
The Service Chief for Geriatrics and Extended Care at the Kansas City VA Medical Center is responsible for providing comprehensive administrative, clinical, and programmatic leadership for the geriatric and extended care programs. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the clinical, research, and educational goals of the department are met. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Staff and will serve as a key clinical resource for both the Medical Center Director and the Chief of Staff. The position is designed to enhance the quality of care provided to veterans, particularly in the areas of geriatrics, home-based primary care, and palliative care. In this role, the Service Chief will oversee the Geriatrics Section, which includes the Geriatric Patient Aligned Care Team (Geri PACT), Home Based Primary Care, and the Palliative Team. The incumbent will participate in various committees aimed at advancing clinical practice, including the Executive Committee for Medical Staff and the Professional Service Board. A significant aspect of the role involves optimizing access to services for veterans, which includes tracking access in various clinics such as Geriatrics, Amputee, Spinal Cord Injury, Pain, Rehabilitation Medicine, Chiropractic, and EMG clinics. The Service Chief will also engage in strategic planning for the facility, attending retreats, updating collaborative software, and participating in committees aligned with the Strategic Plan. Responsibilities include approving hiring submissions for the service line, signing initial privileging forms for onboarding providers, and evaluating patient changes in both physical and mental status. Coordination of care with providers within and outside of the Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) service line is essential, emphasizing open and collaborative engagement. Administrative duties such as performance documentation, overseeing leave requests, and assisting in hiring actions are also part of the role. The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with ad-hoc telework options available, although this is not a virtual position.
Responsibilities
- Provide clinical services within the Kansas City VA Medical Center facility.
- Serve as the Service Line Chief of the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line.
- Oversee and supervise staff involved in the Geriatrics Section, including Geri PACT, Home Based Primary Care, and the Palliative Team.
- Participate in committees designed to lead and advance clinical practice, including the Executive Committee for Medical Staff and the Professional Service Board.
- Optimize access to all services under the service line for veterans, tracking access in various clinics.
- Engage in strategic planning for the facility, attending retreats and participating in committees aligned with the Strategic Plan.
- Approve hiring submissions for the service line and sign initial privileging forms for onboarding providers.
- Evaluate patients to assess changes in both physical and mental status, documenting associated encounters.
- Coordinate care with providers within and outside of GEC and other divisions within the KCVA structure.
- Complete end-of-year performance and proficiency documentation, oversee leave requests and timecards, and assist in hiring actions.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Must have a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy and five years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist, or a Master's degree in Physical Therapy and two years of experience, or a Doctorate degree in physical therapy.
- Must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university.
- Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- Must demonstrate advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in multiple professional areas.
- Must have skills in managing interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution.
- Ability to translate extensive rehabilitation knowledge into local policy development.
- Ability to effectively supervise staff by providing clinical and administrative oversight.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in a leadership role within a healthcare setting.
- Familiarity with VA policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of strategic planning processes in healthcare.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
