Summary

This position is located in the Physical Therapy Department within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Physical Therapist provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care and services provided by PM&RS. Supports the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) - Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) - and Home Base Primary Care (HBPC).

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States
• English Language Proficiency
• Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74 - to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English
• See Chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• Education and experience
• The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: A Bachelor's degree in physical therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• OR A Master's Degree in physical therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• OR - A doctorate degree in physical therapy Licensure
• Applicants must hold a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice physical Therapy in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or the District of Columbia
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Note: Non-licensed PTs - who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard - may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (A)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed
• Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment Grade Determinations: GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level) Preferred Experience: Inpatient experience of 3-5 years or more GS-12 Experience: Applicants must possess one year of experience to the next lower grade at the GS-11 and hold a valid unrestricted state license
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment
• This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services
• Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of 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
• Ability 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
• Ability 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
• Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals - optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence
• Ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs
• Assignment
• At the full performance level - PTs are responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals
• Guided by differential and movement diagnoses - PTs perform examinations and evaluations of 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 personal and environmental factors
• PTs interpret findings from examination - diagnostic studies/medical tests and - during evaluation - select appropriate clinical tests and measures - and then integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations
• PTs establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate intervention to treat and/or refer to another provider for further consultation when needed
• They determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences for meaningful level of function in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes
• Physical therapists select appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function of individuals they treat
• Staff PTs at this level practice autonomously - making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care
• The staff PT may also develop and provide individualized clinical training experiences for physical therapy students in facilities with established clinical experience rotations
• PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any/all areas where physical therapy services are deemed necessary - and/or may serve as the sole PT at a less complex facility
• Individuals may perform ancillary assignments as deemed appropriate given the needs of a facility on an occasional basis - where the amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time)
• References: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G12- Physical Therapist Qualification Standard
• Physical Requirements: The incumbent of the position will meet and maintain physical and drug test program requirements for the position as required
• There will be periods of walking and ambulating patients - providing patient transfers - some lifting of 35 pounds and supporting patients.

Duties

• 30 Day Hiring Model The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection
• This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination - faster assessments - and efficient pre-employment actions
• Applicants can expect a more transparent - predictable - and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty
• What Applicants Can Expect Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes - Human Resources will quickly review applications - issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration
• Quick Interviews & References HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager
• Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer - applicants should be prepared to complete required steps - such as fingerprinting and background check - credentialing - and medical examination within 3 days of the offer
• Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones - including referral - tentative offer - and onboarding instructions
• After meeting pre-employment requirements - candidates will receive a final job offer and start date
• Onboarding tasks may continue after starting - with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service
• If selected - applicants should be prepared to come on board within 30 days of the announcement closing
• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Duties include but not limited to the following: Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to and/or independently/directly accessing Physical Therapy Services
• Develops and implements physical therapy patient education content - based on the most current evidence-based practice
• Provides in-service and clinical training programs as assigned by the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) Clinical Manager - and PM&RS Department Chief
• Designs - conducts - and evaluates educational experiences on physical therapy subject matter for staff members - taking an active role in Journal Club - and seeks educational opportunities to enhance the Physical Therapy Department - PM&RS - and the PVAHCS
• Maintains timely data input utilizing care plans - initial assessments and/or specialty protocols as part of an ongoing process in coordination with other key interdisciplinary staff to provide effective patient care
• Represents the Physical Therapy Department and PM&RS at various clinical and administrative meetings/rounds at the discretion of the Physical Therapy Supervisor(s)
• According to department policies - incumbent is authorized to perform examination and treatment of patients representing a wide scope of ages and diagnoses - rendering varied modalities inherent in their profession
• Serves as a Clinical Instructor and role model for students and others on the physical therapy staff
• Performs annual competencies for all PMRS staff as requested
• Evaluates patient's condition upon appropriate referral to and/or patient's direct access request for physical therapy to determine treatment plan
• Makes referrals to other team professionals as appropriate
• Evaluates patient's needs with respect to durable medical equipment necessary for the patient in the home environment
• Makes recommendations for home modifications to ensure the safe functioning of each patient
• Selects appropriate equipment - determines which suits the patient best
• Determines appropriate equipment necessary to allow patients to participate in activities including - but not limited to: home exercise program - assistive devices for mobility - and transfers
• Determines the most efficient way for the patient to function safely in a home environment with the resources available for the patient
• Makes appropriate referrals for evaluations when deemed necessary to the mobility clinic - Occupational Therapy - Kinesiotherapy - MOVE - podiatry - prosthetics - and other services that may be necessary
• Reviews patients' medical records from outlying facilities to determine appropriateness of triaging referral to community care
• Work Schedule: Full-Time - Friday-Tuesday - Hours TBD Compressed/Flexible: To be determined by management Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized