Physical Therapist

Physical Therapy Position

The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.

What Applicants Can Expect

• Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.
• Quick Interviews & References

HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

• Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.
• Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Duties include but not limited to the following:

• Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to and/or independently/directly accessing Physical Therapy Services.
• Develops and implements physical therapy patient education content, based on the most current evidence-based practice.
• Provides in-service and clinical training programs as assigned by the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) Clinical Manager, and PM&RS Department Chief.
• Designs, conducts, and evaluates educational experiences on physical therapy subject matter for staff members, taking an active role in Journal Club, and seeks educational opportunities to enhance the Physical Therapy Department, PM&RS, and the PVAHCS.
• Maintains timely data input utilizing care plans, initial assessments and/or specialty protocols as part of an ongoing process in coordination with other key interdisciplinary staff to provide effective patient care.
• Represents the Physical Therapy Department and PM&RS at various clinical and administrative meetings/rounds at the discretion of the Physical Therapy Supervisor(s).
• According to department policies, incumbent is authorized to perform examination and treatment of patients representing a wide scope of ages and diagnoses, rendering varied modalities inherent in their profession.
• Serves as a Clinical Instructor and role model for students and others on the physical therapy staff.
• Performs annual competencies for all PMRS staff as requested.
• Evaluates patient's condition upon appropriate referral to and/or patient's direct access request for physical therapy to determine treatment plan. Makes referrals to other team professionals as appropriate.
• Evaluates patient's needs with respect to durable medical equipment necessary for the patient in the home environment. Makes recommendations for home modifications to ensure the safe functioning of each patient. Selects appropriate equipment, determines which suits the patient best.
• Determines appropriate equipment necessary to allow patients to participate in activities including, but not limited to: home exercise program, assistive devices for mobility, and transfers.
• Determines the most efficient way for the patient to function safely in a home environment with the resources available for the patient.
• Makes appropriate referrals for evaluations when deemed necessary to the mobility clinic, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, MOVE, podiatry, prosthetics, and other services that may be necessary.
• Reviews patients' medical records from outlying facilities to determine appropriateness of triaging referral to community care.

Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday; 08:00 am - 04:30 pm. (Hours adjusted based on clinic needs)

Telework: Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.