Physical Therapist

Job Title

This position will be stationed at Palo Alto in the Outpatient Physical Therapy clinic.

Duties

Functions or scope of assigned duties include but are not limited to:

• Clinical:
  • Independently provide assessment and treatment interventions received through provider referral or patient self-referral.
  • Perform examinations and evaluations 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 while considering the effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors.
  • Interpret findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests, drug evaluation, select appropriate clinical tests and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care.
  • 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.
  • Develops appropriate treatment plans and goals; performs complex treatment procedures modifying the treatment according to the patient's changing medical condition or because of a variety of severe physical disabilities.
  • Determines physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences for meaningful level of function to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes.
  • Considers age-specific needs of the patient when conducting evaluations, planning, and conducting treatment programs. Target population: Adult and geriatric veteran.
  • Selects appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function of individuals.
  • Practices autonomously, making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care.
  • Effectively communicates both orally and in writing and performs required documentation in a timely manner.
  • Works with treatment team members and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care.
  • Recognizes contraindications or inappropriate treatments which are health-threatening to the patient.
  • Performs general assignments in any/all areas where physical therapy services are deemed necessary.
  • Provides clinical practice guidance for other staff PTs and assists with problem solving. He/she assists PTs in determining treatment options for complex patients with multiple conditions.
• Educational:
  • Enhances own professional growth by attending seminars, workshops, lectures, and in-service meetings, especially in the specialty field.
  • Conducts in-service programs for the physical therapy section and other disciplines and shares knowledge of new or improved techniques with staff.
  • Acts as clinical supervisor and preceptor for physical therapy and physical therapy assistant students to fulfill their educational and professional requirements.
• Administrative:
  • Ensures proper supply levels are maintained for patient treatment.
  • Maintains and submits in a timely manner statistics and other required reports.
  • Understands and adheres to policies and procedures in the section manual.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm or as determined by the supervisor.

Compressed/Flexible: This may be authorized at the supervisor's discretion.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: GS-11 08649-F, GS-12 03391-F