Physical Therapist

Summary

This position is located at the Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg - WV. The Physical Therapist (PT) who works at this level provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care and supports the Medical Center - Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) - and Community Living Center (CLC) referrals.

Qualifications

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.

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
• 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
• 5 (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
• Grade Determinations: GS 12 In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level: Provide assessment and treatment intervention - Plan and modify treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition - and Hold a valid unrestricted state license - and Demonstrate all the KSAs below: 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 7 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 Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and recurring physical exertion in standing - bending - kneeling - reaching - gripping and walking
• Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment
• Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work
• Above average agility may be desirable in defending oneself (or others) against physical attack/abuse
• Work may require good physical health - normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity.

Duties

• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals
• Provides in service and clinical training programs as assigned by the Supervisor - Physical Therapy Department
• Designs - conducts - and evaluates education experiences for staff members - and seeks educational opportunities to enhance the Physical Therapy Department and Medical Center
• Establishes and maintains contact with other key staff involved in patient care via written - telephone - and personal communication on a regular basis at the Medical Center and VISN level
• Develops and provides timely reports to the Supervisor - Physical Therapy Department
• Maintains timely data input utilizing care plans - initial assessments and/or specialty protocols as part of an ongoing process in coordination with other key interdisciplinary staff to provide effective patient care
• Represents the Physical Therapy Department at various clinical and administrative meetings/rounds at the discretion of the Supervisor - Physical Therapy Department
• Conducts comprehensive patient examinations to identify rehabilitation problems and establish treatment goals utilizing the most recent evidence based Physical Therapy practice
• Develops and implements treatment plans designed to meet established goals
• Evaluates patient response to treatment and modifies the treatment plan to provide optimum outcome
• The PT conducts examinations - treatment planning and interventions - documentation - and follow-up evaluations at the Community Based Outpatient Centers (CBOC) of the Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center or through VVC
• Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm - Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:24039F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) -a student loan payment reimbursement program
• You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment
• Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application
• Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply
• questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized