Physical Therapist

<p>This position is established within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System on the main campus in Tucson, Arizona or one of the five Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The incumbent may be assigned and rotated to the following treatment areas: acute inpatient, outpatient, and the Community Living Center (CLC) or assigned to a CBOC.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Duties include, but are not limited to: CLINICAL Functions as an independent care provider within the health care team with the ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. Must have a complete knowledge and depth of problem solving skills to develop and modify the treatment programs for 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. Expected 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. Applies thorough evaluation principles to tease out difficult clinical symptoms 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. Establishes meaningful therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner. Incumbent documents initial findings, treatment goals, equipment recommendations, follow-up progress and discharge summary in patient's medical record. Measures patient for assistive devices and special equipment. Fits devices for patient needs and instructs patient/care provider in the use of these devices. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment, significantly altered physical or mental status of patients, and reports to appropriate medical authority. Applies all recognized physical therapy treatment procedures correctly, safely, and modifies these techniques in such a manner as not to interfere with any traction devices, surgical drains, catheters, or immobilizing appliances. Makes changes to the treatment intervention based on patient's response to treatment in a manner that utilizes creative thinking and problem solving that goes beyond the typical diagnosis based treatment pathways to reach maximal outcomes. Assures section compliance with all applicable standards such as CARF and the Joint Commission and National Patient Safety Goals. ADMINISTRATIVE Participates in daily management huddles, ward rounds, patient planning conferences, discharge planning meetings, specialty clinics, pain clinic, assigned medical meetings, physical therapy staff meetings, section in-service meetings and PM&R in-service meetings. Reports all safety hazards and faulty equipment to designated POC. Helps develop innovative programs and regularly reviews all existing programs to assure correct methodology is being incorporated in his/her program. Understand and adheres to section and service policies and Medical Center policies and regulations. Utilizes appropriate, effective instructor/learner interaction techniques to assure a positive learning atmosphere for students. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and a positive approach to communication and interaction with other employees, visitors, physicians, and the public. Participates in clinical research studies and/or as a consultant to others conducting research to further develop the scientific principles upon which clinical practice is based. EDUCATIONAL Attends seminars, workshops, in-service meetings and lectures to update physical therapy knowledge and skills. Serves on committees at the facility, in the community, or in the professional association. Acts as clinical educator for PT and PTA students who affiliate with this clinic, and completes all associated paperwork. Develops patient education printed material, exercise programs, etc. Implements and plans appropriate patient education programs, involving the patient, family, or other significant care provider in the instructional process. Participates in training programs or in activities involving safety, infection control, and quality assurance, when requested. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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. 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>Preferred Experience: At least 4 years of experience working on both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy settings, preferably in a hospital or integrated health system. Strong background in evaluating and treating a wide variety of conditions, including post surgical, neurological, orthopedic, and medically complex patients. Experience with acute care physical therapy, including early mobility, discharge planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration with nursing, physicians and case management. Outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation experience, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise prescription, and functional progressions. Please note this position is not eligible for EDRP but does qualify for PSLF for student loans. 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: Regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting should be anticipated routinely. Light to heavy lifting may be required at times. Work discharge may require physical health, unhindered use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity. Education 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/.