This position is eligible for 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 your start date. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov for questions.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: 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 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. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool. 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. NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. Loss of Licensure or 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. English Language Proficiency: Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a 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). Grade Determinations: Physical Therapist GS-11 (Entry level) Education, Experience, and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. PTs at this level are responsible for providing assessment and treatment intervention. PTs plan and modify treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition. PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any physical therapy program area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required or may serve as the sole PT such as in an outpatient clinic. Licensed PTs may provide oversight and delegate patient care responsibilities to a Physical Therapist Assistant, and/or delegate non-patient care duties to non-licensed staff. PTs that are not licensed must practice under the close supervision of a licensed PT. Physical Therapist GS-12 (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. *In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs: 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. Qualifications continues in Education section!
Duties will vary at grade levels, but at the GS-12: Evaluates and assesses patients, as assigned, to determine the treatment course to be followed. Performs tests and measurements of muscles, nerves, range of motion, posture, strength, ambulation, circulatory, and respiratory status using various mechanical and electrical means. Performs and interprets results of tests and measurement of the patient's condition for use in preparing and treatment plan, modifying treatment, and evaluating results of treatment. Also performs test to determine existence of neurological disease or conditions. Carries out test procedures, determines kind and degree of muscular reaction to tests and interprets results of tests. Assists with home safety evaluations, HISA grants and wheelchair seating and power mobility devices. Consisting of home assessment for various areas of concern. For example, assessment of safety issues and concerns surrounding transfers throughout the home, mobility and getting around, and determining the appropriate equipment the patient may need to function more safely at home. This may require travel to various locations in the greater area for assessments to be completed. The anticipated amount of travel would likely be less than 25% of total work time. Performs stimulation of the peripheral and central nervous systems as a non-invasive means of therapy for the control of chronic pain. Responsibilities include the performance and the planning, administration, and modification of therapeutic interventions that focus on posture, locomotion, strength, endurance, cardiopulmonary function, balance, coordination, joint mobility, flexibility, pain, healing and repair, and functional abilities in daily living skills, including work. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a myriad of treatment modalities and procedures, including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, manual therapies, cryotherapy, heat therapy, neuromuscular facilitation, muscle re-education, electrical stimulation, sensory integration techniques, positioning, application of assistive devices and joint protection techniques, and works toward goals established to meet specific and individualized needs. Must constantly review the intervention strategy and the treatment process to make adjustments as the patient either progresses or fails to progress within predicted periods. Works toward goals for patients with multiple physical/functional problems, frequently changing/modifying treatment plans. Participates in various clinics and programs consisting of, but not limited to, wheelchair seating and mobility, amputation clinics, etc. Regularly attends continuing education programs. Uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluation and interpretation of a wide variety of patient physical functional levels and providing progressive treatment. Independently develops and implements a physical therapy treatment program using judgment to modify treatment for changing medical conditions or because of a variety of severe physical disabilities. Makes autonomous clinical decisions. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services. Documents assessments, goals, patient/family education, progress, and change in treatment or patient condition in medical records accurately. Compiles daily, weekly, or monthly statistics for ongoing reporting. Works effectively with treatment team members and other healthcare providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Develops and coordinates educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevent premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment. Assist with the Performance Improvement efforts for the Physical Therapy section, following activities that detect and remedy deficiencies in process and outcome of PT services. Helps resolve patient issues at the lowest level and refers unresolved grievances and complaints to appropriate sources. Follows policies and procedures. Promotes and ensures a safe work environment. Follows established time, attendance, and leave procedures. The employee must demonstrate knowledge and skills in interpersonal relations, especially the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customer. Maintain clinic areas, equipment and supplies in a clean and organized manner. Performs all other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation Incentives: May be Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized