The Physical Therapist position is in the Physical Therapy section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at VA Palo Alto and is expected to provide coverage throughout the Healthcare System including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Physical Therapy Section. The Physical Therapist at this level provide Physical Therapy care to patients/clients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function.

Duties

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30am-4:00pm or as determined by supervisor Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Major Duties include but are not limited to the following: Independently provide assessment and treatment interventions received through provider referral or patient self-referral Perform examinations and evaluations to patients who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations and participations 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. Interpret findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical test, drug evaluation, select appropriate clinical tests and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care. Establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate intervention to treat and/or refer to another provider for further consolation when needed. Develops appropriate treatment plans and goals; performs complex treatment procedures modifying the treatment according to the patients changing medical condition or because of a variety of severe physical disabilities. Determines physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patients preferences for meaningful level of function to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes. Considers age specific needs of the patient when conducting evaluations, planning and conducting treatment programs. Target population: Adult and geriatric veteran. Selects appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function of individuals. Practice autonomously, making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. Effectively communicates both orally and in writing and performs required documentation in a timely manner.

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. 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. 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. 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 Licensure. Individuals must 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Prefer one year of PT experience in a neuro rehab area or clinic References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12 Physical Requirements: This work involves standing and walking for about 50% of a normal workday, In addition, the Physical Therapist must be able to squat, kneel, push and pull, and lift loads from the ground and from above the shoulder height. The physical demand level as defined by the Department of Labor is 'Medium' requiring the occasional lifting of 20-50lbs, the frequent lifting of 10-25lbs and the constant lifting of 10lbs during the normal workday. Physical Therapy requires manual dexterity and coordination to use modalities such as ultrasound and TENS units, and to demonstrate the use of mobility equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs. In addition, physical therapists must be able to modify such equipment using tools including screwdrivers and wrenches.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Kealohakama Kuikahi
• Phone: 6504935000 X69925
• Email: [email protected]