Career Center

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more 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 and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. Licensure. Individuals 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. Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. English Language Proficiency. Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Preferred Experience: Active participation in Physical Therapy (PT) Section Committees within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service addressing leadership and operational topics to improve overall Service and/or PT Section. Ability to problem solve departmental issues assessing the possible favorable outcomes. Active participation in Continuing Education Opportunities/Presentations and involved with the Student Physical Therapy education when assigned. Grade Determinations: GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level) Education, Experience and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, hold a valid unrestricted state license and demonstrate all the KSAs below: Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 1. Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services. 2. Skill in performing 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 psychosocial and environmental factors. 3. Ability to interpret findings from examination and evaluation, select appropriate test and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. 4. Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated. 5. Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence. 6. Ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs. Assignment. At the full performance level, PTs are responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals. Guided by differential and movement diagnoses, PTs perform 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. PTs interpret findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests and, during evaluation, select appropriate clinical tests and measures, and then integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. PTs establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate intervention to treat and/or refer to another provider for further consultation when needed. They determine 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. Physical therapists select appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function of individuals they treat. Staff PTs at this level practice autonomously, making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. The staff PT may also develop and provide individualized clinical training experiences for physical therapy students in facilities with established clinical experience rotations. PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any/all areas where physical therapy services are deemed necessary, and/or may serve as the sole PT at a less complex facility. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments as deemed appropriate given the needs of a facility on an occasional basis, where the amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time). References: VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work is active, requiring frequent position changes. The position requires heavy lifting 45 pounds and over, moderate lifting 15-44 pounds, pulling hand over head, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, climbing, use of legs and arms, both legs required, operation of crane, truck, tractor or motor vehicle, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, depth perception, hearing (aid permitted), moderate lifting with occasional heavy lifting during mobility and ADL training. The incumbent will be required to move frequently throughout the facility and emotional/mental stability, clear speech. ["The incumbent is an independent provider responsible for managing the Physical Therapy Program and Physical Therapy of patients undergoing treatment at the Austin Facility which includes these levels of care: Outpatient, Acute Care, and CLC to include Psychiatric and Mental Health Outpatients. The incumbent is responsible for initial assessment, re-assessment, treatment planning, treatment implementation, reporting, and documentation of all referred patients within departmental and professional standards in the acute care, outpatient, and community living center (CLC) settings located at the Temple, Texas facility and to the Austin or Waco facilities as needs dictate. Clinical Practice-Patient Evaluations.\nThe incumbent serves as a resource in a specified area of expertise. He/ She participates in organizing educational activities and special projects and facilitates staff development. Functions within the scope of physical therapy practice to perform physical therapy services, including evaluations, objective tests and measures, and providing treatment. Ensures patient scheduling requests are submitted in a manner as to not negatively impact other clinical staff yet meet the patient's needs. Reviews patient medical records to assess the appropriateness of physical therapy intervention, noting any potential risks or contraindications to treatment. Performs evaluations and assessments of medical/surgical conditions in the Outpatient, Acute Care, and CLC populations, including specialized objective tests and evaluations. Documents evaluations to include medical history, results, and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements. Identifies when tests may need to be adapted because of complex disabilities to determine the level of function when using standardized and non-standardized tests. Performs thorough PT evaluations that address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age-appropriate level. Identifies patient's barriers to learning and develops strategies to overcome them to ensure accurate patient evaluation. Reviews and analyses the effectiveness of treatments and develop new treatment programs which apply current research and evidence-based practice. Assists/encourage other Physical Therapy staffing the same. Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories or treatment of physical therapy and their proper application using therapeutic physical rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures. Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to best meet established goals. Documents treatment progression and/or modifications according to Departmental and Medical Center standards. Recognizes adverse reactions to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharge planning in concert with the Physical Therapy and Medical Center staff. Consults with staff and resident physicians through patient presentations, attendance at ward rounds IDT specialty clinics, and/or conferences. Adjusts and/or adapts durable medical equipment or assistive aids to meet the needs of the patient. Measures patients for assistive devices and assesses the need for special home equipment. Ensures the safety of patients, staff, and visitors by routinely monitoring. equipment and clinics for potential safety hazards. Adheres to established infection control policies. Participates and contributes to the advancement of knowledge and techniques related to Physical Therapy and other related topics. Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Physical Therapy practice through literature reviews, the study of current research, clinical practice, assisting in research trials, and through attendance at continuing education courses and conferences. Arranges for in-service training programs for PM&RS and other services. Orients, trains, and serves as a mentor to volunteers, aides, students, visitors, and incentive therapy workers who supplement and enhance patient treatment. Serves as Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant students as assigned. Observes and evaluates their performance to assess their capabilities as physical therapists utilizing performance measurement formats provided by affiliated educational institutions. Responsible for maintaining open communication with patients, families, medical center staff, and others. Seeks clarification, listens, and conveys information clearly, in written and verbal forms. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Occasional nights/weekends/holidays as needed.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Physical Therapist/000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nVA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY"]