Physical Therapist

Summary This position is located in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service for VAPORHCS. VAPORHCS includes Portland and Vancouver in addition to CBOC locations. Physical Therapists assigned to the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service may be assigned to one or more of the following areas: Portland Acute Inpatient Portland Outpatient Vancouver Community Living Center and/or Comprehensive Rehabilitation Vancouver Outpatient CBOC Outpatient Clinics Qualifications Basic Requirements: The basic requirements for employment as a VHA physical therapist are prescribed by Public Law 96-151 codified in 38 U.S.C. 7402. To qualify for appointment – all applicants for the position of physical therapist in VHA must meet the following: a Citizenship – Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned. b Education and experience – The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements: (1) a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist; (2) a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist; (3) a 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 c 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 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 licensed PT. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. f 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. g English Language Proficiency – Individuals appointed under the 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. See Chapter 2 – section D – paragraph 5a. Grade Determinations: GS‑11 Physical Therapist (Entry) – Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. (NOTE: See exception to licensure requirement in subparagraph 3c above.) PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any physical therapy program area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required or may serve as the sole PT such as in an outpatient clinic. Licensed PTs may provide oversight and delegate patient‑care responsibilities to a Physical Therapist Assistant or delegate non‑patient‑care duties to non‑licensed staff. PTs that are not licensed must practice under the close supervision of a licensed PT. 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 the following KSAs: 1) Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment; 2) Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of individuals with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary system impairments; 3) Ability to interpret findings, select appropriate tests, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care; 4) Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify appropriate rehabilitation interventions; 5) Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis incorporating patient preferences; 6) Ability to provide independent clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students on clinical affiliations. At the full performance level, PTs are responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients, guiding by differential and movement diagnoses, selecting appropriate equipment, and practicing autonomously, including making referrals as clinically indicated. Preferred Experience – Preferred candidate will have 1 year inpatient rehab or skilled rehab facility experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit 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. Duties Develop appropriate treatment plans and goals. Perform complex treatment procedures, modifying the treatment according to the patient's changing medical condition or because of a variety of severe physical disabilities. Measure, fit, and instruct patients for the use of complex adaptive equipment and assistive devices. Effectively communicate both orally and in writing, and perform required documentation in a timely manner. Involve the patient, family members, caregiver, and pertinent health care staff in the treatment process by maintaining effective communication. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in communications appropriate to the age of patients served in the work area and compensate for changes in communication skills that may occur in aging patients. Provide physical assistance to aging patients considering potential difficulties with balance, ambulation, and increased risk of skin and bone injury. Communicate readily with multidisciplinary treatment team, advising the team of patient's needs and progress through discharge planning information exchanges. Communicate through team meetings, ward rounds, written reports, and informal communications such as personal and telephone conversations. Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:00 pm. Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr