This position will be assigned to the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services Department within the Montana VA Health Care System (MTVAHCS) Primary responsibility of this position is direct patient care of patients referred and/or requiring Physical Therapy intervention.

Duties

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Principle Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Evaluates and determines extent of disability and present level of functioning. Completes assessment to evaluate and determine extent of disability or delay for their impacts on motor and or sensory function. Demonstrates proficient use of basic standardized testing equipment and tools. Performs and documents pertinent evaluation results, including client and/or family interview, observation, objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings, within time frames consistent with care settings or department policy. Assesses and incorporates methods to address individual's physical, cognitive, learning needs, social economic and psychosocial limitations. Assessment includes pain issues as appropriate. Chooses appropriate evaluation tools that are consistent with client diagnosis, history, and subjective complaints. Identifies signs and symptoms that substantially impact treatments and outcomes and takes appropriate action. Refers customers appropriately if the diagnosis is outside scope of expertise. Investigates living environment, where and when appropriate, for safety hazards and necessary modifications by discussion with appropriate caregiver or client. Develops a written plan of care prior to therapy treatments to include physical, psychosocial, environment and educational needs as they relate to therapy. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team as appropriate. Adapts activity and/or equipment application according to customer's goals, tolerance, progress toward desired therapeutic outcome, and/or equipment function. Periodically re-evaluates and modifies treatment plan and goals as indicated based on customer's medical status, response to treatment and anticipated therapeutic outcome(s). Involves customer/family and interdisciplinary team in treatment planning, maintains daily Progress Notes on the customer's treatment, and completes re-certifications/assessments as per treatment plan. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 436B-56438-O Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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: 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 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. Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR 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 www.apta.org. 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 in this standard, 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 PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. 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). Grade Determinations: 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 all the KSAs below: Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Ability to coordinate workflow and clinical activities as well as monitor data reports within physical therapy section to ensure optimal patient care. 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. Ability to provide new staff orientation, staff development, and training. Demonstrates advanced skill to serve as mentor and coach of the clinical team. 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Ability to spend approximately 75% of working day ambulating and standing. Ability to frequently lift 60 pounds of force. Ability to safely transfer patients and/or equipment using proper body mechanics (pushing, pulling, and lifting strategies). Ability to use the computer system.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Fort Harrison VA Medical Center 3687 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison, MT 59636 US
• Name: Rodney Riggleman
• Phone: (210) 980-9493
• Email: [email protected]