This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The staff physical therapist's primary function is to provide direct patient care to patients undergoing physical therapy care at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS). Incumbent is responsible for initial assessment, re-assessment, treatment planning, treatment implementation, reporting, and documentation of all referred patients within departmental and professional standards in the acute care, outpatient, and community living center (CLC) settings located at the Temple, Texas facility and to the Austin or Waco facilities as needs dictate. Serves as a resource in a specified area of expertise. He/ She participates in organizing educational activities and special projects and facilitates staff development. Duties include but are not limited to: GS-11 Clinical Practice-Patient Evaluations 1) Provides effective and efficient care 2) Provides patient care duties as it relates to respective clinical service, following accreditation guidelines, professional code of ethics, and standards of practice which include evaluation/ re-evaluation, treatment planning, and implementation and resultant documentation. 3) Implements plans that will achieve the outlined goals and administer individual treatment as ordered and consistent with rehab goals. 4) Determines equipment needs and assists the patient in obtaining assistive devices/adaptive equipment and wheelchairs. 5) Instructs and trains patients and their families. 6) Responsible for daily maintenance of the therapy areas and equipment. 7) Demonstrates sound clinical reasoning during patient care to maximize outcome and safety. 8) Accesses information for patient care. 9) Completes accurate/timely documentation. 10) Maintains accurate and timely documentation to include clinical interventions provided, discharge and equipment recommendations, charges, and prescriptions. 11) Writes legible progress notes or other documentation which accurately reflects treatment received. 12) Accurately reports the type of services provided to each patient daily and billing and submits them in a timely manner. 13) Demonstrates effective time management and meets productivity expectations. 14) Meets productivity targets for work area established by supervisor. 15) Adheres to a schedule. 16) Is timely and punctual and is prepared for meetings. GS-12 Clinical Practice-Patient Evaluations 1) Functions within the scope of physical therapy practice to perform physical therapy services, including evaluations, objective tests and measures, and providing treatment. 2) Ensures patient scheduling requests are submitted in a manner as to not negatively impact other clinical staff yet meet the patient's needs. 3) Reviews patient medical records to assess the appropriateness of physical therapy intervention, noting any potential risks or contraindications to treatment. 4) Performs evaluations and assessments of medical/surgical conditions in the Outpatient, Acute Care, and CLC populations, including specialized objective tests and evaluations. 5) Documents evaluations to include medical history, results, and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements. Identifies when tests may need to be adapted because of complex disabilities to determine the level of function when using standardized and non-standardized tests. 6) Performs thorough PT evaluations that address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age-appropriate level. 7) Identifies patient's barriers to learning and develops strategies to overcome them to ensure accurate patient evaluation. 8) Reviews and analyses the effectiveness of treatments and develop new treatment programs which apply current research and evidence-based practice. Assists/encourage other Physical Therapy staffing the same. 9) Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories or treatment of physical therapy and their proper application through the use of therapeutic physical rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures. 10) Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to best meet established goals. Documents treatment progression and/or modifications according to Departmental and Medical Center standards. 11) Recognizes adverse reactions to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Occasional Weekend as needed. May include Nights/Weekends/Holiday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Physical Therapist/PD00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: The basic requirements for employment as a VHA physical therapist are prescribed by Public Law 96-151 codified in 38 U.S.C. § 7402. To qualify for appointment, all applicants for the position of physical therapist in VHA must meet the following: a. 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. b. 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 www.apta.org. c. 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. 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. d. Loss of Credential. A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation, if qualified, and if a placement opportunity exists. e. Physical Requirements. Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. f. English Language Proficiency. Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 2, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-11 Physical Therapist (Entry) (a) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. (NOTE: See exception to licensure requirement in subparagraph 3c above.) (b) Assignment. PTs at this level are responsible for providing assessment and treatment intervention. PTs plan and modify treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition. PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any physical therapy program area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required or may serve as the sole PT such as in an outpatient clinic. Licensed PTs may provide oversight and delegate patient care responsibilities to a Physical Therapist Assistant, and/or delegate non-patient care duties to non-licensed staff. PTs that are not licensed must practice under the close supervision of a licensed PT GRADE DETERMINATION CONTINUED IN EDUCATION SECTION BELOW Preferred Experience: 1 year of physical therapy experience in an skilled nursing facility/community living center setting Active participation in continuing educational opportunities Has experience as a clinical instructor for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students References: VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12, Physical Therapist Qualification Standard dated February 7, 2018. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, climbing, repeated bending, twisting, sitting, and changing from one position to another intermittently, up to 6 hours a day. Both hands required, use of fingers, both legs are required. The ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Reaching above shoulders, heavy lifting (Intermittent; 45 pounds and over), heavy carrying (Intermittent; 45 pounds and over), straight pushing and pulling (Intermittent; up to 5 hours). Mental and emotional stability is required. Near vision correctable at 13" to 16". Hearing (aid permitted).

Education

GRADE DETERMINATION CONTINUED:

GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level)
(a) 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:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
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.
(c) Assignment. At the full performance level, PTs are responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals. Guided by differential and movement diagnoses, PTs perform 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 personal and environmental factors. PTs interpret findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests and, during evaluation, select appropriate clinical tests and measures, and then integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. PTs establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate intervention to treat and/or refer to another provider for further consultation when needed. They determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences for meaningful level of function in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes. Physical therapists select appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function of individuals they treat. Staff PTs at this level practice autonomously, making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. The staff PT may also develop and provide individualized clinical training experiences for physical therapy students in facilities with established clinical experience rotations. PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any/all areas where physical therapy services are deemed necessary, and/or may serve as the sole PT at a less complex facility. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments as deemed appropriate given the needs of a facility on an occasional basis, where the amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time).

EDUCATION

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Accreditation Information: Education must be fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (capteonline.org)

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education CAPTE at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the CAPTE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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 VA Central Texas Health Care System 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple, TX 76504 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]