Physical Therapist

01Basic Requirements

1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Individuals appointed under the authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in Veterans Health Administration (VHA), must be proficient in written and spoken English. 3. Education and Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR 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. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the Education and Experience 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. 4.

02Licensure

Individuals 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.

Grandfathering Provision: 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).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: 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.

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.

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. 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.

03Grade 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: 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.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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 GS-12.

04Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

This Physical Therapist will provide physical therapy services to veterans with a large variety of diagnoses in accordance with PM&R policies and procedures, APTA, Physical Therapy Board of California guidelines and VA regulations governing the practice of physical therapy. The assignment will include providing physical therapy services in pre/post-surgical and non-operative cases for both acute and chronic conditions.

Services might also include teaching veterans in a class or group format, using telehealth modalities and/or meeting the needs of drop in patients/same day referrals. Major Duties include but are not limited to the following: Clinical Demonstrates ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment with consideration for local Scope of Practice guidelines. This includes the ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services.

Reviews and screens patient's medical record for appropriateness of PT intervention, noting any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and assisting in guiding the evaluation process. Screens outpatients for readiness to begin PT. Performs comprehensive evaluations and examinations of patients who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or integumentary systems.

Evaluations are conducted independently and results are documented according to departmental and Medical Center standards. Interprets findings, selects appropriate tests and measures, and integrates findings into the PT plan of care. Establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another discipline for further consultation. Participates in trans-disciplinary clinics as appropriate.

Determines PT prognosis by incorporating examination finds with patient's preference in setting clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence. Educational Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Physical Therapy practice through literature reviews and study of current research. Applies evidence-based treatment approaches to clinical practice.

Regularly attends continuing education courses, conferences and inservices in the professional community and within VA. Orients patient, physicians, allied health professionals, students, volunteers, and community representatives to the purpose and function of Physical Therapy. Provides in-services and clinical training programs on topics of physical rehabilitation to peers and other Medical Center staff including nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals.

Serves as a mentor to junior therapists and new hires. Provides clinical oversight of students and interns on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA programs. Assists Center Coordinator with developing and upgrading student training program content. Administrative Records and submits in a timely manner productivity and workload information. Submits other data and reports as requested by Supervisor.

Assists with program development such as establishing pre- and post-operative PT programs and rehabilitation protocols, and class content (for diagnosis specific classes). Understands and adheres to PM&R Services policies and procedures as outlined in Section manual. Completes all patient related documentation activities in the required time frame including but not limited to documentation in the patient's record and prosthetic requests.

Participates in PT quality improvement (QI) program by regularly contributing to the monitoring of important aspects of patient care. Assists in problem solving administrative issues between PT Section and other Medical Center departments Attends PT Section and PM&R Service staff meetings. Maintains physical environment of PT clinic by monitoring equipment and supply/inventory levels. Performs duties pertaining to consult management such as triaging consults and collaborating with scheduling staff.

Carries out other job-related activities and special assignments as requested by supervisor. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:0000F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized