This position will serve as the Chief, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service at the VA Western Colorado Health Care System which includes oversight, planning and development of all Service functions and programs. This facility is a level 3 complexity facility servicing one of the largest geographical catchment areas in the United States. As Chief, the incumbent will plan, direct, and coordinate all aspects of a multifaceted, complex service.
Summary
This position will serve as the Chief, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service at the VA Western Colorado Health Care System which includes oversight, planning and development of all Service functions and programs. This facility is a level 3 complexity facility servicing one of the largest geographical catchment areas in the United States. As Chief, the incumbent will plan, direct, and coordinate all aspects of a multifaceted, complex service.
This position is ONLY open to current, permanent VA Western Colorado Health Care System Employees, VA Employees Nationwide, and all other Federal Employees.
*** If you are NOT a current federal employee, please apply to the Public Announcement CBSU-11812077-23-GH***
Provides for the overall management of the Service. This includes interpreting administrative and clinical policies, developing and implementing local policies, defining administrative and clinical requirements, and providing advice to Medical Center leadership on related issues. Performs as the expert on administrative and clinical policies and requirements for the Service.
Evaluates and monitors administrative and clinical activities and acts independently or makes substantive recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team to make Service improvements. Provides expert advise and technical assistance to the Medical Center managers at all levels and supervisors and team leaders within the Service in a wide variety of areas, clinical and administrative, related to the Service.
Directs the personnel management program for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service, performing or overseeing the full range of human resources requirements. Acts as personnel management expert for the Service. Functions as a Service leader with overall project responsibility as the primary Service representative for the Medical Center to redistribute the workforce, positions, and sections of the Service to comply with legislative or regulatory changes impacting the mission and goals of the Medical Center, VISN 19, National PM&R Program Office and VHA.
Arranges for and participates in annual goal-setting/strategic planning sessions, coordinates the development of the final operating plan, and conducts continuing evaluations at the Service level as well as the Medical Center, VISN, and national levels as it relates to the activities of the Service addressing patient care delivery systems, facilities management, system reorganizations or other issues and initiatives.
Provides for the budgeting and financial management for the Service. Performs as an expert in budgeting and financial management for the Service and for the Medical Center as it relates to Service programs.
Manages procurement and contracting for the Service and the Medical Center in projects related to the Service. Determines when contract termination is warranted and initiates action as appropriate with the accountable Contracting Officer.
Serves as the official PM&R Service consultant to all Medical Center services/departments and provides expert advise and technical assistance to entities outside the Medical Center including those within VISN 19 and at the national level on matters related to PM&R in the various roles in which the incumbent serves.
Communicates effectively verbally and in written correspondence with employees and customers at all levels of the Service and Medical Center; peers and superiors; individuals at the VISN, National PM&R Program Office as well as other Central Office level contacts; and stakeholders.
Serves as first or second line supervisor to individuals in the Service to include, but not limited to, physicians, other providers, nurses, therapists, therapy assistants, therapy aides, administrative officer, medical support assistants and other Service staff.
Oversees the work of Service employees and ensures the accuracy of reports submitted by supervisors and team leaders. Identifies and implements opportunities for improvement and ensures Service compliance with clinical and other standards based upon professional journal/literature reviews, Medical Center policies, VHA Directives, Clinical Practice Guidelines and other applicable documents.
Assists Service supervisors and team leaders in implementing actions designed to improve administrative and clinical operations or resources.
Has advanced knowledge in rehabilitative sciences, services, and care provision and the ability to translate this knowledge across disciplines supervised as well as into useful policy.
Ensures each of the special program teams, Polytrauma/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), and Amputation comply with Medical Center, VISN 19, National PM&R Program Office and VHA mission, goals, directives, practice guidelines and associated requirements.
Selects and recommends members of professional qualifications standards boards for therapy positions to the Medical Center Director and oversees the actions of applicable boards and determines when boards are convened for action.
Resolves individual and group employee and customer grievances and conflicts at all levels of the Service and Medical Center.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Compressed/Flexible:Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54303-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Gina.hammer@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2023. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be February 16, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. ***
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship
Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
English Proficiency.
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Education.
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: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university.
OR
Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
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.
Supervisory Physical Therapist, GS-14 Determination
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met:
Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in multiple professional areas.
Skill in managing interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution in dealing with a diverse range of employees, discipline lead(s), and administrators.
Ability to translate extensive rehabilitation knowledge into local policy development.
Ability to effectively supervise staff by providing clinical and administrative oversight. This includes ability to manage resources, evaluate employees and assign work.
Ability to collaborate with strategic planning committees at local, VISN or national levels for new ventures addressing patient care delivery systems, facilities management, system reorganizations, etc.
Preferred Experience:
Minimum of two (2) years of leadership experience.
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary Physical Rehabilitation environment.
VA or Federal experience.
Evidence of education related to healthcare leadership/management.
Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with adult population.
References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II, Appendix G12.
Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially extended periods of continued walking standing, and sitting.
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.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
License
VA 10-2850c
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/30/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11812076.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VA Western Colorado Health Care System
2121 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
License
VA 10-2850c
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/30/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11812076.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VA Western Colorado Health Care System
2121 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
