Physical Therapist

<p>This position is within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Southeast Network (VISN 7), at the VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) located in Augusta, Georgia, specifically in the Physical Therapy Department of the Medical Rehabilitation Service. Candidates must meet the basic educational and licensure requirements for this level.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Staff Physical Therapists (PTs) at this level practice autonomously, making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during the ongoing assessment of patients under their care. They are responsible for providing assessment and treatment interventions and may be assigned to various program areas covered by Rehabilitation Services, including the Community Living Center (CLC), acute care, outpatient care, home-based care, inpatient rehabilitation, and more. In their assigned areas, they deliver professional, independent physical therapy services. Staff PTs may receive general assignments across different areas where physical therapy services are deemed necessary. They may also undertake ancillary assignments, provided that the complexity and workload do not exceed 25% of their duty time. The incumbent functions as a member of the PM&RS Team and is responsible for administering physical therapy programs to adult and geriatric patients from all areas of the medical center. The incumbent must adhere to the facility's rules, policies, and procedures, as well as the standards of practice and ethics set by the American Physical Therapy Association, to ensure high-quality patient care. Assigned responsibilities primarily include Screening, Evaluation, Education, Performance Interpretation, Treatment Design and Implementation, Report Creation, and Administrative Organization. As a staff member assigned to the Rehabilitation Service Line, the incumbent will assume a caseload of PT duties as assigned by the Physical Therapy Supervisor(s). While program oversight is provided by the Physical Therapy Supervisor, the incumbent must be comfortable making independent decisions regarding patient scheduling, patient care, and the interpretation of diagnostic results. VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Duties include, but not limited to: Independently provides assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals. Demonstrates a current understanding of the theories of physical therapy treatment and their proper application. Proficient in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans for adult patients. Develops and provides individualized clinical training experiences for physical therapy students in facilities with established clinical rotations. Can provide guidance, training, and mentorship to entry-level Physical Therapy staff. Assists with chart reviews, as directed by supervisor. Able to represent Medical Rehab Service and Physical Therapy Department on care setting specific service and facility committees. Providing insight into patient care, administrative needs, and other pertinent information related to Physical Therapy. Maintains a safe, clean, and pleasant work area according to CARF, JCAHO, VACO, OSHA, Medical Center and RMS guidelines Maintains physical therapy licensure and abides by state practice act and guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 8AM-4:30PM, occasional weekend coverage Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 60018F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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/.