Physical Therapist

Summary The Physical Therapist serves the outpatient, inpatient, and home settings within the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System with responsibility for the performing various tests (manual muscle testing, gait training, range of motion, etc.), evaluations, and education in the area of physical therapy. She/he may require rotation and are skilled in their ability to provide cross-coverage in all settings, works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. Responsibilities VA Careers - Physical Therapy: Duties to include but not limited to the following: Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to the Physical Therapy Department Follows the orders detailed in consults from a physician or other approved provider, reviews the medical record independently, and evaluates each patient to determine functional deficits and the best method to accomplish rehabilitation goals. Evaluates patients, including medical history, interpretation of imaging results, administering and interpreting the results of measurements such as: range of motion, muscles testing, sensory deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, etc. Uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluation and interpretation of a wide variety of patient physical functional levels and providing progressive treatment. Develops therapy programs in accordance with the instructions of a physician or other approved provider through the use of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, postural training, heat, cryotherapy, ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and other appropriate methods/modalities. Demonstrates the teaching skills required to provide education to patients, family members, caregivers, employees, students, and coworkers. Deals tactfully and effectively with the physically and mentally disabled patients. Functions autonomously in carrying out patient education, specialized treatments, and applying physical therapy procedures for which competency has been established and in accordance with laws or regulations and APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) documents. Observes condition of patients during treatment and may modify the treatment plan if deemed injurious to the health of the patient; consults with referring provider to outline long range programs for a patient and reports progress or results. Modifies the treatment plan based on the changing needs, goals and performance of the patient. Demonstrates proper judgement on the appropriate length of time for a patient's episode of care based on the patient's functional progress. Provides supervision, guidance, instruction to SDPTs (Student Doctor of Physical Therapy), SPTAs (Student Physical Therapy Assistant), and other members of the healthcare team. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform home safety assessments, plans and develops comprehensive programs to meet patients' needs in the home-based setting, and provide specialized physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the home-based setting. This may include, but is not limited to, evaluating Veterans' homes for structural modifications needed to make the home environment safe and accessible, determining needs for durable medical equipment (DME), training and monitoring safe use of DME, teaching body mechanics to patients and caregivers to minimize risk of injury and monitoring Veterans' functional status. Attends IDT meetings, regularly presents patients to physicians and other team member providing information regarding performance, current status, and continuing goals. Works effectively with treatment team members and other healthcare providers in coordinating the patient's care. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am - 4:00pm PST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: : 09082-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees(eliminating the baccalaureate degree). Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. 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 Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool. Licensure: Holds 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 NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. GRADE DETERMINATION: GS 12 (a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs.GS 11 Equivalent experience include but no t limited to the following: 1. Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services. 2. Skill in performing 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 psychosocial and environmental factors. 3. Ability to interpret findings from examination and evaluation, select appropriate test and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. 4. Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated. 5. Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence. 6. Ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) 1. Ability to coordinate workflow and clinical activities as well as monitor data reports within physical therapy section to ensure optimal patient care. 2. Ability to articulate and communicate to the clinical team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, and objectives, as well as to advise on work methods, practices and procedures. 3. Ability to provide new staff orientation, staff development, and training. 4. Demonstrates advanced skill to serve as mentor and coach of the clinical team. 5. Ability to manage staffing requirements and priorities, and coordinate work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrating an understanding of the impact of incomplete work. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment. Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work. Above average agility may be desirable in defending oneself (or others) against physical attack/abuse. Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). CONTINUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IS FOUND IN "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: Additional Information Grandfathering Provision. All licensed PTs employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:(1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-0633 occupational series as PTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation.(2) PTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of this qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of this standard.(3) PTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard and must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(4) If PTs who are grandfathered under this provision leave the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.