Physical Therapist

Summary The position is located at the Buffalo VAMC. The therapist is responsible for patient scheduling - assessment - goal setting - patient education - treatment implementation and discharge planning for patients referred to physical therapy. The caseload is comprised of inpatients - with a marked diversity of physical dysfunction. Qualifications Citizenship: Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. If no qualified citizen candidates are available, temporary appointments may be authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 7405. Education and Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the following: 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. 4) Foreign Graduates who hold a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth. All educational credentials must be from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program. Verification may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at Licensure: Individuals must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Non‑licensed PTs may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS‑11 grade level for up to two years, with care provided only under the supervision of a licensed PT. Failure to obtain licensure during the temporary period is justification for termination of the appointment. Individuals with revoked or surrendered licenses for professional misconduct or substandard care are ineligible unless the license is fully restored. Effective November 30, 1999, this requirement applies to all new hires. It does not apply to licensed PTs on VA rolls as of that date, provided they maintain continuous appointment and are not disqualified by subsequent license revocations. Loss of Credential: A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation, potentially ending employment. An employee may be reassigned to another occupation if qualified and opportunities exist. Physical Requirements: Pre‑placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers can perform essential functions safely. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Individuals appointed under 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74 must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a. Grade Determinations: GS‑12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level) requires one year of experience equivalent to the GS‑11 grade level, a valid unrestricted state license, and possession of the following KSAs: Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a direct access environment. Independent evaluation and treatment of patients seeking PT services. Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary conditions, considering psychosocial and environmental factors. Ability to interpret examination findings, select appropriate tests and measures, and integrate findings into a comprehensive PT plan of care. Diagnosis and intervention planning within the scope of PT, including referral to other providers when clinically indicated. Determination of PT prognosis incorporating patient preferences. Clinical oversight of PTAs and students in doctoral or PTA programs. Preferred Experience: One year of acute inpatient experience required and one year of ICU experience preferred. The full performance level of this vacancy is at the GS‑12 level. Physical requirements are defined in VA Handbook 5005/99 – Part 2 Appendix G12. Duties The therapist may complete assessment and treatment on patients in the inpatient wards. The therapist performs and interprets the results of tests and measurements of the patient's status to formulate an appropriate, comprehensive treatment plan. The incumbent demonstrates the ability to treat patients with complex medical problems utilizing both standard and non‑standard techniques. The Physical Therapist has the ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a direct access environment. Work Schedule: Intermittent Telework – Not Available; Virtual – This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 23999‑F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized; Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized; PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr