Physical Therapist

Summary This position is aligned under the Physical Therapy section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) at the Memphis VA Medical Center. The Physical Therapist utilizes the application of scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute, sub‑acute, and chronic physical dysfunction, thereby promoting optimal health and function. 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 English Language Proficiency Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74 must be proficient in written and spoken English See Chapter 2, Section D, paragraph 5(a) of VA Policy Education and Experience The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Doctorate degree in physical therapy. May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees who meet the criteria. Licensure Individuals must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Non‑licensed PTs may receive a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS‑11 grade level under 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D) for up to two years, provided they provide care only under supervision of a licensed PT. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is grounds for termination. Individuals who have had a license revoked for professional misconduct or incompetence, or who surrendered it after notice of potential termination, are not eligible unless the license is fully restored. Grade Determinations: GS‑12 Physical Therapist 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: Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of individuals with impairments related to musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or integumentary systems, considering psychosocial and environmental factors. Ability to interpret findings, select appropriate tests and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care. Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider when clinically indicated. Ability to determine prognosis and set clinically appropriate treatment goals to optimize outcomes and functional independence. Ability to provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑12. Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and demanding physical exertion including standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, walking, moderate to heavy lifting, and sitting for meetings and administrative work. Above‑average agility may be desirable. Duties Physical Therapy is a medically based health service administered by a licensed physical therapist. The Physical Therapist utilizes scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute, sub‑acute, and chronic physical dysfunction. Focus is on individuals with neuromuscular, skeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular disorders and evaluating functional level. Major duties include: Perform appropriate cleansing and re‑processing of reusable medical equipment in compliance with VHA directives and SOPs. Keep up‑to‑date with current trends in rehabilitation medicine/therapy through scheduled in‑services, library resources, continuing education, and training workshops. Complete administrative duties such as work orders, FSOD, information processing, and program development for the PM&R Service or Medical Center. Plan and facilitate treatment programs for patients with complex impairments and provide therapeutic interventions to meet functional goals. Maintain timely documentation of all consults, initial evaluations, progress notes, discharge notes, patient/family education, workload statistics, QA monitors, attendance records, and other clinical activities. Follow appropriate billing and coding practices. Input scheduling data into the VISTA computer system or approved charting methods and update daily. Complete all incident documentation in a timely manner per hospital or Service policy. Use department resources wisely and efficiently to render cost‑effective care. Perform non‑technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Maintain treatment area in a safe, orderly manner. Assess equipment needs and maintain adequate stock of supplies. Recognize hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor, malfunctioning equipment) and take corrective action. Supervise and train students, volunteers, therapy assistants, therapists, and non‑PT students and support personnel. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (holiday work rotation required). Telework: Not eligible. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50068‑F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr