Physical Therapist

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.

01Basic 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. OR (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist.

OR (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees(eliminating the baccalaureate degree).

Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. 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. (4) Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. 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. Loss of Credential. A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation, if qualified, and if a placement opportunity exists. 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). Grandfathering Provision.

All licensed PTs employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:(1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-0633 occupational series as PTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.(2) PTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of this qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of this standard.(3) PTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard and must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) If PTs who are grandfathered under this provision leave the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

02Grade Determinations

GS-11 Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.

03Physical Requirements

Regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting should be anticipated routinely. Light to heavy lifting may be required at times. Work discharge may require physical health, unhindered use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity.

Duties include, but are not limited to: CLINICAL DUTIES Demonstrates expertise in examining, evaluating, developing, and implementing treatment programs for geriatric adult and adult patients with complex spinal cord injury problems or diseases, and concurrent medical conditions and co-morbidities based on the current evidence and best practices for client management.

This physical therapist has extensive knowledge, experience and skill in the prescription, fitting, and training in the use of specialty equipment utilized by this patient population. This includes assistive technology, mobility devices for gait and wheeled mobility, lifts and lift systems, devices for activities of daily living and other orthotics/prosthetic devices specific to the SCI/D population.

Ability to perform evaluations and treatment interventions in the therapy pool to improve impairments and functional limitations. Demonstrates knowledge of water safety for providing a safe environment. The physical therapist provides SCI Home Care physical therapy as needed, through home visits, video to home evaluations/treatments and Clinical Video Telehealth interventions and team meetings.

Independently uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluating issues in the home environment to identify potential problems and baseline of function. Independently develops and implements appropriate treatment plans and goals to increase patient safety and level of independence. Determines appropriate home modifications needed to increase patient safety and level of independence.

Modifications may include recommendations for the installation of ramps, grab bars, widening of door frames, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for wheelchair accessibility, movement of furniture for better room accessibility, and wheelchair modifications. Monitors patient's tolerance for therapeutic procedures, including tolerance for prescribed adaptive equipment. Recognizes rates of progress, signs of altered physical or mental of patient, or undesired secondary effects of treatment.

Based on findings from a thorough examination and evaluation, the incumbent plans an effective goal-directed treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the impairment, functional limitation and/or disability of the client being treated. Implements the treatment program and modifies it as needed to achieve goals. Participates on clinical interdisciplinary teams/clinics to provide direct care, input, and supportive information necessary for optimal outcomes in Veteran care.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVIES The clinician enhances their knowledge and skill in SCI/D by participating in continuing professional development. Completes all required VA annual mandatory training. Attends mandatory in-service training as required by VA, SCI/D Care Line and OT policies and Directives. Instructs patients on what is expected of them to achieve the desired treatment objectives and goal. Educates family members concerning patient's rehabilitation status, limitations, and prognosis.

Provides in-services to the SCI staff and other hospital personnel on SCI PT evaluation and treatment procedures. Arranges and serves to the SCI staff in-service training programs. Participates in the supervision and clinical instruction of PT interns. ACCOUNTABILITY Determines objectives and sets priorities. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Exhibits VA core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE).

Notifies supervisor of significant program error, dissatisfaction customer, or an perceived violations of law or official wrongdoing including fraud, waste, abuse of authority, and violations of VA core values. Ensures all certifications, licenses, competencies, and training requirements are current with no lapses.

Assesses compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARP), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and other program review criteria that governs service and ensures requirements are in place and functioning properly. SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL Monitors equipment used by the patients to ensure the equipment is functioning maximally and properly calibrated to give accurate measures and ensure patient safety.

• Maintains clinic area and equipment in a safe manner in accordance with safety and infection control policies, Joint Commission and CARF standards, and other relevant regulatory policies.
• Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention, i.e., handwashing, use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), and standard precautions/isolation procedures.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized