Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (1-5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Responsibilities If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply CBST-12663463-25-TM. Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Treat patients from all services in the hospital, to include inpatient and/or outpatient settings. Prepare treatment plans for each patient based on an evaluation performed by the therapist and interpretation of information obtained from the physician's referral and patient's clinical record. Utilize the full range of physical therapy modalities in which he/she has received training both in academic and continuing education. The therapist will perform comprehensive evaluations and develop treatment plans based on results of said evaluations. Use various techniques such as manual muscle testing, range of motion measurements, peripheral vascular testing, sensory testing, nerve conduction velocities and mobility testing. Evaluate patients based on consults from referring physician/nurse practitioner/physician assistant. Employ appropriate evaluations for diagnosis to determine current levels of functioning using standard measurement devices and review of medical histories. Use advanced techniques of evaluation in the care of the complicated patient with multiple problems. Utilizes the knowledge from didactic and post graduate educational experiences to develop and carry out physical therapy treatment plans (i.e. therapeutic exercise, muscle re-education, neuromuscular facilitation , perceptual motor integration, fabrication and application of devices for daily living, teaching adaptive or compensating techniques for accomplishing tasks, providing patient/family education regarding disability and splint fabrication and application). Makes independent decisions concerning the refinement of established treatment procedures or use of highly specialized treatments. Re-evaluation of patients' performance with appropriate modifications to treatment as indicated. Regularly updates Health Care Team regarding outcomes of treatment and current status and expectations. Evaluates patient's living environment, when indicated, through home visits or consultations with other health care professionals and patient's home health care provider to assist patient in solving problems associated with that environment. Documents an initial evaluation, including short- and long-term goals; progress notes; discharge summaries, including summary of treatment, outcomes in terms of goals set, equipment provided, and education provided. Provides physical therapy care, which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Demonstrate ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes the ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services. Performs a chart review to assess appropriateness of the referral and possible contraindications for treatment. Completes evaluation and treatment according to service policies. Referrals are scheduled considering priority and frequency of care, and coordination of schedules with other members of treatment team. Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients, mentoring and consultation. Demonstrate skills 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 effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors. Compliments treatment program with carefully developed therapeutic exercise routines with or without assistive devices, sensory integration, and neurodevelopmental techniques, as applicable. Trains patients in locomotion correcting gait patterns and including, as appropriate, the use of prosthetic, orthotic or assistive devices. Recognizes even subtle responses or adverse reactions to treatment, initiates effective action immediately, and advises other health care team members as indicated. Assesses patient's learning needs, and plans and implements appropriate patient education programs, involving the patient, family, and significant others in the instructional process. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00090F, 00089F Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Robert Knudsen, Robert.Knudsen@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. Education and experience. 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. 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. (4) 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. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. 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. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool. 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. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 2, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates GS-11 Physical Therapist (Entry): Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level): 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: Acute Care/Outpatient Orthopedic experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. ? The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS11 to GS12. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.