Physical Therapist (Terre Haute, Indiana)

<p>This position is in the Physical Therapy Section within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. The Physical Therapist (PT) at this level provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care and services. S/he is expected to carry out general duty assignments. This position supports the Medical Center, community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC), and Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (CIIRP) referrals.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The duties of the position may include but are not limited to the following: GS-11 General Duties: The staff physical therapist is a registered professional therapist who is primarily responsible for evaluating, planning and implementing the treatment program for patients with various disabilities and medical conditions. The therapist functions as an independent care provider within the healthcare team making autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. To function at the GS-11 level, the therapist must have a complete knowledge and depth of problem-solving skills to develop and modify the treatments programs for a wide variety of disabilities. The therapist functioning at the GS-11 level will be expected to apply thorough evaluation principles to tease out difficult clinical symptoms. They will need to exhibit flexibility in problem solving as required by the findings on evaluation. Treatments instituted by the GS-11level clinician will be based on current research and evidence-based practices. The therapist is responsible for his/her own professional development, keeping current with treatment techniques as well as licensure. GS-11 Clinical Duties Interprets the prescriptions requesting PT using specialized skills and medical knowledge in the evaluation of the patients' medical condition. Evaluates the patient's present functional level and disabilities. Ages of patients served at this facility range from the young adult ages 20-end of life. There is great variance in the developmental needs of these patients. Every effort will be taken to modify treatment in response to these variances so that optimal care can be provided for each patient referred for physical medicine and rehabilitation services. GS-11 Administrative/Education Documents clearly and concisely the objective findings noted during the evaluations as well as changes in medical status via progress notes. A therapist at this level will be able to document appropriately to support the level of care given as evaluated by peer review. This includes understanding and practicing documentation and coding practices to maximize reimbursement potential. Accurately maintains documentation in keeping with PM&R service-level and hospital-wide policies. Maintains an elevated level of professional competence through participation in continuing education such as attending workshops and conferences, and through continuous review of medical-therapeutic literature resulting in a contemporary understanding of evidence-based PT practice. GS-12 General Duties: Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to the Physical Therapy Section. Provides in-service and clinical training programs in area of specialty for hospital staff. Designs, conducts, and evaluates education, experiences within specialty content area for staff members, taking an active role in Lunch and Learn, and seeks educational opportunities to enhance the Physical Therapy Section, PM&RS, and the 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. GS-12 Clinical Skills: Conducts comprehensive patient examinations to identify rehabilitation problems and establish treatment goals. A. Develops and implements treatment plans designed to meet established goals. B. 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 Terre Haute VA Outpatient Clinic. The PT performs examination, treatment planning and intervention, and documentation as needed for support personnel and any assigned Staff PT. Administrative Functions: Conducts record keeping related to patient care documentation and quality improvement (QI) data collection as specified by the Supervisor, Physical Therapy Section Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:30AM-4:00PM Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #s: 92072-0 and 92654-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.