Physical Therapist

<p>The GS-12 physical therapist is assigned to provide professional, physical therapy services to any/all program areas that are covered by Rehabilitation Services including acute care, rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, geriatrics, long term care, home care and outpatient settings.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Major Duties: Performs complex physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-85+ years old. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication. Plans and carries out the full range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge. Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill, or who have a combination of severe mental/emotional or physical disabilities. Treatment will be provided on the ward, in the facility and in the community as appropriate for the patient's needs. Demonstrates ability to recognize and professionally and appropriately respond to clinic red and yellow flags at all levels of care - outpatient, inpatient, acute care, home setting. Demonstrates independent problem solving skills that allow for frequent modification of treatment plans in response to subtle, but significant changes in the condition of the patient. Critical assessment of treatment outcomes will be regularly performed. Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and makes modifications as necessary. Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of this complex patient population. Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the physical therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility. Maintains a flexibility of schedule to allow for unscheduled patients, patient/team consultation and mentoring. Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT practice, facility and Rehabilitation Service policies and procedures. Participates in regular team meetings, verbal and written communication and consultation amongst team members in order to guide and evaluate the work of the multi-disciplinary program. Collaborates with the team develop a cohesive treatment plan for this complex patient population. Assists in the care of patients other than those of the specialized area, or as the needs of the department dictate. Maintains a workload consistent with the standards established by the Physical Therapy Section and the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Responsible for over-seeing the day-to-day operation of the physical therapy clinic area to which assigned. Managing and triaging clinic consults as they are received; addressing minor, routine problems. Arranges schedule to allow adequate time to manage patient care at the nationally indicated productive standard, documentation, administrative tasks, statistics, and patient care conferences. Corresponds with patients and families in person, over the phone, through telehealth and/or through MyHealthyVet in a professional, timely, and courteous manner. Participates in ECSL/PMR and PT meetings. Compiles and submits statistical data, reports and quality assurance findings to document program effectiveness, caseload, attendance, productivity as assigned by supervisor or department. Assists in the maintenance of the clinic and exhibits good safety practices following proper safety policies and procedures per VA, Joint Commission, CARF, OSHA, etc. for infection control, equipment etc. Participates in quality assurance projects and completes reports as required on patient treatment. Participates in physical therapy peer review and chart audit process as directed by supervisor and/or program manager. Information, reports, and workload data are completed and submitted on request and as needed. Participates in or coordinates program development for special programs within the physical therapy department. Aware of safety concerns, regulations, policies and procedures, and employs appropriate safety practices. Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for physical therapy students. Shares knowledge and expertise about the scope of physical therapy practice and services. Attends PM&R section in-services as well as hospital-wide in-services. Attends and completes mandatory in-service training as required by VA, PM&R, and PT policies. Provides necessary guidance, direction, and supervision to physical therapy health technicians, co-op students, volunteers, and/or CWT workers assigned to the PM&R clinic. Additional duties as needed Work Schedule: MF 8:00-1630, rotating weekends, holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 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>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/.