The Physical Therapist focuses primarily on those individuals whose actual or potential impairment is related to: the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular pulmonary, neurological, psychiatric systems; on methods to evaluate the functions of these systems; and on the selection and application of appropriate therapeutic procedures to maintain, improve, or restore functional abilities.
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. 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. 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. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist 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. 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. 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: GS-11 Physical Therapist (Entry) (a) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level) (a) 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: (b) 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 7 well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs. Preferred Experience: None 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. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
The duties of the Physical Therapist include, but are not limited to: Clinical Evaluates patients using standard and non-standard techniques to identify specific Physical Therapy treatment problems. Performs tests and measurements of the patient's condition and interprets results of tests and measurements of the patient's condition for use in establishing a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy, developing the treatment plan, modifying the treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment. Establishes short term and long-term Physical Therapy clinically appropriate patient treatment goals and implements treatment programs to meet these goals. Assesses the patient's progress toward Physical Therapy treatment goals; modifying the goals and treatment program as indicated. Monitors patient's emergency medical needs; intolerance to treatment; changes in patient's physical/mental status; and takes appropriate action as necessary. Documents and otherwise communicates results of evaluation and treatment according to PT Clinical Competency Review Criteria. Participates and actively represents Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service as a liaison in ward rounds, patient planning conferences, discharge planning conferences, specialty clinics, and assigned medical or departmental meetings. Maintains current knowledge and understanding of all patient care Physical Therapy treatment equipment in the department, it's use and contraindications. Recognizes diversity among patients/staff and demonstrates sensitivity to cultural, age, gender, and people with disabilities. Provides patient care/support that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of the patient group served. Interacts with people at all age levels ranging from adolescent through geriatric and must be aware of and respond appropriately to the physical, social, and psychological differences among these groups. Recommends referral of patients to other services or programs when appropriate. Provides instruction in the care and use of assistive devices, adaptive equipment, orthotic devices, and prosthesis. Fabricates such items as feasible. Utilizes appropriate physical therapy modalities using exercise, massage, heat or cold, air, light, water, electricity, or sound for the purpose of correcting or alleviating any physical or mental condition, or the purpose of preventing the development of any physical or mental disability, or the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition. Solves problems not covered by standard procedures, adapts, and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures without supervisory guidance to meet complex and challenging needs of the patients. Assists other physical therapy staff members in modifying and adapting treatment plans. Serves as Clinical Instructor as assigned. Administrative Maintains and promptly submits statistical reports as scheduled. Identifies and corrects, if possible, any safety hazards and reports equipment malfunctions. Maintains supplies at effective level for treatment and ensures their appropriate use. Maintains knowledge of and acts within physical therapy scope of practice and the current policies and procedures of the department and hospital. Maintains effective communication with patients, families, and other health care professionals to enhance patient care. Recommends additions to departmental equipment and Physical Therapy treatment programs. Supervises and guides non-licensed staff involved In Physical Therapy treatment to maintain overall responsibility of treatment. Manages effective use of time/schedules for Physical Therapy. Demonstrates cost containment and efficiency in all aspects of the position. Develops and initiates cost containment strategies. Assures that documentation supports ICD-10 and CPT codes utilized to capture workload and for billing purposes. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-00093-F, 598-00094-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized