This position is established within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System on the main campus in Tucson, Arizona or one of the five Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The incumbent may be assigned and rotated to the following treatment areas: acute inpatient, outpatient, and the Community Living Center (CLC) or assigned to a CBOC.

Duties

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: A physical therapist (PT) is responsible for independently evaluating patients and establishing and executing comprehensive treatment plans that include a full range of treatment procedures and modalities for patients with various disabilities and medical conditions. Treatment programs are designed to improve or restore function through the use of physical modalities and therapeutic exercises, utilizing prostheses, orthotics, or assistive devices, as needed. The PT plans home programs and instructs family or other care providers in home exercises and activities.

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. 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. 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. 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 (Lead) 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. 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. Preferred Experience: 5 years of experience as a physical therapist. References: VA Handbook 5005 PART II APPENDIX G12 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: This position frequently requires minimal (under 15 lbs.) to moderate lifting (15-45 lbs.) Normally such lifting will involve but not be limited to assisting with transfers or gait training of the client in the physical therapy session. Must be able to walk (up to 8 hours); Stand (up to 8 hours); and tolerate repeated bending. The environment usually involves everyday risks of discomfort which requires safety precautions typical of hospital, offices, and meeting rooms. There is the occasional risk of physical harm from a violent client which may require special precaution and training. Special precautions are required regarding infectious diseases through client contact and airborne organisms.

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 Tucson VA Medical Center 3601 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 US
• Name: Shannon Blemberg
• Phone: 619-733-5764
• Email: [email protected]