Physical Therapist

<p>This position is located in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System in Prescott, Arizona. The Physical Therapist delivers patient care using a four-step process that includes assessment, treatment planning, implementation of therapeutic interventions, and ongoing evaluation of outcomes. This position will primarily in the Outpatient Clinics, other duty locations may be assigned dependent on need.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>GS-12 (Full Performance Level): Practices autonomously at the full performance level, making clinically indicated recommendations and referrals to other specialties/services during ongoing assessment. Selects and applies equipment and assistive technology to substitute for loss or limited function, ensuring safety and efficacy. Performs general assignments across physical therapy service areas and, when required, serves as the sole PT in less complex settings; performs occasional ancillary assignments. Provides direct access care, independently making autonomous clinical decisions to evaluate and treat patients across Outpatient, Inpatient, and CLC settings. Performs comprehensive examinations and evaluations addressing musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary systems, integrating psychosocial and environmental factors. Interprets examination findings and diagnostic studies, selects appropriate clinical tests and measures, and integrates results into an evidence-based plan of care for the full range of patient populations. Establishes physical therapy diagnoses and identifies appropriate rehabilitation interventions, referring to other providers for further consultation when indicated. Determines physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with patient preferences to set clinically appropriate goals, optimize outcomes, and maximize functional independence. Selects and fits equipment to substitute for loss or limited function and trains patients/caregivers in safe and effective use. Develops and updates evidence-based treatment programs; reviews/analyzes treatment effectiveness; modifies plans of care to achieve patient-centered outcomes. Coordinates patient referrals and discharge planning with PT and Medical Center staff; participates in interdisciplinary rounds, specialty clinics, conferences, and provides patient presentations. Provides clinical oversight to Physical Therapist Assistants, delegating and supervising tasks consistent with scope, regulations, and patient safety. Serves as Clinical Instructor for PT and PTA students; delivers individualized clinical training experiences; observes and evaluates student performance using affiliated institutions' evaluation guides. Documents patient performance, response, and functional achievement toward goals; maintains timely, complete, and accurate records; assures productivity and quality care while providing cost-effective treatments. Mentors junior Physical Therapists, models outstanding clinical practice, and contributes to research and educational activities to advance physical therapy knowledge and techniques. Communicates clearly, courteously, and respectfully with patients, families, and stakeholders; clarifies information; responds to inquiries/complaints in a timely manner; refers inquiries appropriately; maintains confidentiality and privacy in all communications. Displays a cooperative attitude and works effectively with coworkers, supervisors, interdisciplinary team members, and other services to implement section, service, and organizational goals; identifies and resolves interpersonal/professional conflicts. Reports unusual difficulties involving patient treatment to the Supervisor, Acting Supervisor, or Service Chief of PM&RS, and the referring provider as needed. Availability for occasional travel and weekend work as needed to meet patient care and operational needs. GS-11 (Developmental Level): PTs at this level are responsible for providing assessment and treatment intervention. PTs plan and modify treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition. PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any physical therapy program area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required or may serve as the sole PT such as in an outpatient clinic. Licensed PTs may provide oversight and delegate patient care responsibilities to a Physical Therapist Assistant, and/or delegate non- patient care duties to non-licensed staff. PTs that are not licensed must practice under the close supervision of a licensed PT Work Schedule: 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available 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. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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/.