Summary

This Physical Therapist independently evaluates patients - plans - executes and - if necessary - modifies a full range of treatment procedures designed to restore optimal function to patients in a general outpatient setting. The incumbent will provide physical therapy to veterans who often have multiple interacting complex acute and/or chronic musculoskeletal - medical - or neurological problems.

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Education: The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy
• Licensure
• Individuals hold a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State - Territory or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• 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
• NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university
• The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs
• Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org
• Foreign Graduates
• Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State - Territory or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction - foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US
• Grade Determinations: Physical Therapist - GS-0633-11 Education - Experience - and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements
• Physical Therapist - GS-0633-12 Education - Experience and Licensure
• In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level - hold a valid unrestricted state license and demonstrate all the KSAs below: Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: 1
• 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
• 2
• 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
• 3
• 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
• 4
• 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
• 5
• 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
• 6
• 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
• Preferred Experience: Recent outpatient experience References: VA Handbook 5005/99 Part II Appendix G12 - Physical Therapist - GS-0633 - Qualification Standard
• This can be found in the local Human Resources Office
• 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: This works involves standing and walking for about 70-80% of a normal workday
• In addition - the physical therapist must be able to squat - kneel - push and pull - and lift loads from the ground and from above shoulder height
• The physical demand level as defined by the Department of Labor is 'Medium' requiring the occasional lifting of 20-50 lbs. - the frequent lifting of 10-25 lbs
• and the constant lifting of 10 lbs
• during the normal workday
• Physical Therapy requires manual dexterity and coordination to use modalities such as ultrasound and TENS units - and to demonstrate the use of mobility equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs
• In addition - physical therapists must be able to modify such equipment using tools.

Duties

• This position is seated in the PT clinic in the Oakland Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) where the incumbent is regarded as an expert in matters relating to physical rehabilitation
• This Physical Therapist will provide physical therapy services to veterans with a large variety of orthopedic - neurological and medical diagnoses in accordance with Rehabilitation Section policies and procedures - APTA - Physical Therapy Board of California guidelines and VA regulations governing the practice of physical therapy
• The assignment will include providing physical therapy services in post-surgical and non-operative case for conditions both acute and chronic
• Services might also include teaching veterans in a class format - using telehealth modalities and meeting the needs of drop in patients/same day referrals
• Clinical Demonstrates ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment with consideration for local Scope of Practice guidelines
• This includes the ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services
• Reviews and screens patient's medical record for appropriateness of PT intervention - noting any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and to assist in guiding the evaluation process
• Screens outpatients for readiness to begin PT
• Performs comprehensive evaluations and examinations of patients who have or may develop impairments - activity limitations - and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal - neuromuscular - cardiovascular - pulmonary and/or integumentary systems
• Evaluations are conducted independently - and results are documented according to departmental and Medical Center standards
• Interprets findings - selects appropriate tests - and measures - and integrates findings into the PT plan of care
• Establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate rehabilitation intervention - including referral to another provider for further consultation
• Participates in trans-disciplinary clinics as appropriate
• Establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate rehabilitation intervention - including referral to another provider for further consultation
• Educational Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Physical Therapy practice through literature reviews and study of current research
• Applies evidence-based treatment approaches to clinical practice
• Regularly attends continuing education courses - conferences and inservices in the professional community and within VA
• Orients patient - physicians - allied health professionals - students - volunteers - and community representatives to the purpose and function of Physical Therapy
• Assumes responsibility (under the direction of the Chief of Physical Therapy) for physical therapy program development within the CBOC
• Provides in-services and clinical training programs on topics of physical rehabilitation to peers and other CBOC staff including nurses - physicians - and allied health professionals
• Serves as a mentor to junior therapists and new hires
• Provides clinical oversight of students and interns on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA programs
• Assists Center Coordinator with developing and upgrading student training program content Administrative Records and submits in a timely manner productivity and workload information
• Submits other data and reports as requested by Supervisor
• Assists with program development such as establishing pre- and post-operative PT programs and rehabilitation protocols - and class content (for diagnosis specific classes)
• Understands and adheres to Rehabilitation Section's policies and procedures as outlined in Section manual
• Completes all patient related documentation activities in the required time frame including but not limited to documentation in the patient's record - and prosthetic requests
• Participates in PT quality improvement (QI) program by regularly contributing to the monitoring of important aspects of patient care including peer chart reviews
• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Work Schedule: M-F 0800-0430 Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized