Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist is a licensed professional responsible for providing comprehensive physical therapy services for patients with a broad variety of disabilities while demonstrating knowledge of current professional physical therapy practices and skills based on American Physical Therapy Association expectations. The Physical Therapist in this high level complexity facility provides assessment and treatment interventions for inpatients and outpatients with functional impairments resulting from a wide variety of diagnoses including but not limited to the following: Arthritis, Cerebrovascular Accident, Parkinson's Disease, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Above and Below Knee Amputations, Joint Replacement, Fractures, Diabetes Mellitus with and without neuropathy, Spinal Cord Injury, Cancer, Cardiopulmonary pathology, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, End Stage Renal Disease, etc.

Candidates must be licensed for assignment at this grade level and are considered to be at the full performance level. The physical therapist at this level is responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals.

The physical therapist, guided by differential and movement diagnoses, performs 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. The physical therapist interprets findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests and selects appropriate clinical tests and measures, and integrates findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations, including selecting appropriate equipment. The physical therapist establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies 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 patient preferences for meaningful level of function in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes.

The physical therapist practices autonomously, making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. The physical therapist may be assigned to all program areas which are covered by Rehabilitation Services and provide professional, independent physical therapy services in the assigned area. The physical therapist follows established protocols, ethical standards, and guidelines for the physical therapy program and the profession. He/she demonstrates discretion, adaptability, flexibility, initiative, and sound professional judgment based on current work experience; ensures timely and effective implementation of professional physical therapy services.

The physical therapist answers patient's questions or issues regarding their physical therapy services, and refers concerns to Clinical Supervisor as appropriate. The physical therapist may perform ancillary assignments on an occasional basis where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time).

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 14219-F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs