Physical Therapist

Summary This position is located at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL (578) - a Level 1a Complexity VHA Facility. Responsibilities VA Careers - Physical Therapy: This is the functional description statement of the physical therapist employed to work in the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders' Physical Therapy program at the Hines VA Hospital. Primary function is direct patient care of acute injuries and outpatients in the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center but this therapist will provide support to other areas of the Hines Physical Therapy Department, as required as a flex position with a minimum of 50% dedicated to SCI with the remaining service provided to other areas of the PM&R PT service line of Hines VA. CLINICAL DUTIES Evaluates and assesses patients, as assigned, to determine the treatment course to be followed. Performs tests and measurement of muscles, nerves (including but not limited to ASIA assessment), range of motion, posture, strength, ambulation, circulatory and respiratory status. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize patient's functional potential, using a myriad of treatment modalities and procedures, including but not limited to neuromuscular facilitation, muscle re-education, electrical stimulation, sensory integration techniques, positioning, application of assistive devices and joint protection techniques to work toward established goals. In coordination with patients and family members, develops a treatment regime that includes instruction to patient/family on an in-home program dealing with exercise, transfers, ambulation, skin care, and safety precautions; instruction in proper safe use of equipment ordering including patient's lifts, wheelchairs, cushions and other seating devices/products. Documents evaluation, goals, patient/family education, progress, and change in treatment or patient's condition in medical records accurately, timely, and includes all elements as per hospital and service policies. Is capable of advanced motivational techniques to obtain participation of patient with complex physical/psychosocial diagnoses. Is responsible for supervising volunteers and therapy assistants, giving clinical guidance and training to physical therapy assistants and advance level physical therapy students. Evaluates patients new adaptive aids, prosthetic and/or orthotic equipment. Coordinates with prosthetic department on recommendations and appropriate modifications to enhance patient functional capabilities. With changing medical practices, the incumbent must routinely consult with staff and resident physicians from all specialties. Develops and initiates treatment programs as new patient types are referred to the physical therapy department. EDUCATION DUTIES Serves as liaison for SCI rehabilitation to medical center staff, patients, families, visitors, students and volunteers. Attends regularly scheduled conferences and staffing and is a specialist physical therapist on multidisciplinary teams, contributing information for overall goals of patients. Provides in-services to staff on various topics relating to patient care, seating and positioning, or safety factors. Assists with the clinical training/nursing education specialist in providing educational experiences for staff and students, assesses their performance in providing feedback and makes plans for improvement in identified areas of deficiency. This employee is responsible for participating in patient care audits and ongoing quality assurance activities throughout Physical therapy/Rehabilitation Service Program, as assigned by Physical Therapy Supervisor. ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES Attends and participates in scheduled and appointed professional service/program committee meetings, management workshops, conferences, and seminars. Establishes priority of objectives and evaluates existing programs, conducts needs assessments prior to establishment of new programs. May receive and review complaints and conflicts regarding patient care, staff performances and general unit management. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Attends periodic meetings between the Physical Therapy supervisor and other clinical specialists to enhance department operations as required. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 07:30a-4p Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Preferred Experience: Evidence of at least 2 years of experience working with the neurologic population, especially patients with spinal cord injuries/disorders. Ability and flexibility to cover in all areas of physical therapy including but not limited to outpatient and acute inpatient. 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. 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 ( 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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. 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: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as a Physical Therapist in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). English Language Proficiency Requirement- Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education Requirement- The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist, OR Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist, OR 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. Transcripts Required 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. Copy of Licensure Required 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 Determination: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the following criteria must be met to be appointed at the GS-12 grade level in this occupation. GS-12 Grade 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: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12, Physical Therapist Qualification Standards. 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. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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: 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: Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. 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.