Clarification from the agency

This job will close when we have received 75 applications which may be sooner than the closing date.

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Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following functions:

Administrative Responsibility

• Identifies and corrects hazards and high-risk conditions which would compromise patient and staff safety.
• Performs data analysis to optimize quality performance and productivity within the respective CBOC work units.
• Performs data analysis to optimize quality performance, workload distribution and productivity within the respective work units.
• Frequently and regularly, assesses, plans, and evaluates the delivery of Therapy at the CBOCs, making corrections and improvements as needed to maximize patient care.
• Monitors supply levels and equipment needs submitting request for replacements as needed to meet patient care needs.
• Implements infection control procedures in accordance with Medical Center guidelines.
• Conducts regular performance appraisals with staff, submits in a timely manner.
• Serves as the rating official for section staff, recommending awards, counseling staff to develop strategies for improvement, or when necessary, initiating disciplinary action.
• Conducts on-going monitoring and evaluation activities based on problems identified in the delivery of patient care, gathering data, and using statistical process control techniques as the solutions for unusual problems.
• Coordinates with other services and CBOC leadership to improve interdisciplinary care of patient functions and to improve organizational performance.
• Collaborates with PMRS leadership, community care and General Practice Management office to develop a sustainable Referral Care Initiative (RCI) model to maximize efficiency of outpatient therapy services in the DCVA network.

Clinical Responsibility

• Must fully demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics, kinesiology, psychology, pathophysiology, and surgical procedures as they relate to human function.
• Must fully demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply clinically appropriate assessment techniques and treatment interventions to address human pathophysiology and dysfunction.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, with patients, families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals which includes facilitation of the multidisciplinary treatment process.
• Skill in utilizing appropriate screening and evaluation techniques required to appropriately provide and direct patient care.
• Knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms to make appropriate referrals for further medical attention/assessment as indicated.
• Knowledge of Physical Therapy practice across multiple areas of practice with demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge in the clinical guidance of Physical Therapists and support care staff within the Department.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, task delegation, and problem-solve to meet multiple deadlines and identify/resolve organizational problems.
• Provides for delivery of patient care within a highly complex and integrated therapy program consisting of multiple clinical specialists and support care staff.
• Screens and triages new consults/referrals to therapy services to include RCI model for CBOC sites.
• Provides direct patient care appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient.
• Identifies problems that interfere with the delivery of therapy to beneficiaries, taking whatever measures necessary to ensure that the patient care mission of the care line and medical center is accomplished.

Educational Responsibility

• Provides support and acts as a liaison to the Department's Clinical Education Coordinator in the establishment and maintenance of clinical training agreements with affiliated university programs.
• Supports efforts to maintain Clinical Residency programs.
• May serve on curriculum, admission, and advisory committees of affiliating programs, has input into curriculum development.
• Supports functions of the Department's Clinical Education Coordinator in their absence.
• Promotes and encourages staff development by assisting staff with registration for continuing education programs, obtaining funds, notifying staff of educational opportunities, and assisting with travel arrangements as needed.
• Continuing education and training will be focused on maintaining and improving competency in all general clinical functions but will also include coursework directed toward the development and improvement of clinical instruction, data collections and reporting techniques, and utilization and reporting of outcome measures.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Yes - as determined by the agency policy.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Relocation Incentives: Authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Contact visn5hredrpcoordinators@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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

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:
  • Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years or 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. 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.
• 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.

Grade Determinations:

GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Supervisory)

Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. (GS-12 Experience: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. The Lead PT reports directly to a Supervisory PT. He/she monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues and maintains efficient workflow. PTs at this level have experience that demonstrates the possession of advanced practice skills and judgment across many areas of physical therapy for both inpatient and outpatient clinics. Lead PTs are responsible for providing clinical practice guidance for other staff PTs and assist with problem solving. He/she assists PTs in determining treatment options for complex patients with multiple conditions. Lead PTs are responsible for ensuring work is completed by distributing and balancing workload among employees in accordance with established work flow or job specialization; assuring timely accomplishment of the assigned workload; and assessing the status, quality and progress of work, and making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. Lead PTs obtain assistance from supervisors or managers on problems that arise. Lead PTs are generally found in higher complexity facilities, or in facilities of lesser complexity levels where large physical therapy departments are found. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial.) In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to provide clinical guidance to Staff PTs within the department.
2. Knowledge of human resources administration, including such functions as the ability to interview and select qualified applicants, monitor, and evaluate performance, and maintain effective labor management relations within scope of responsibility.
3. Ability to effectively supervise, direct, and manage a diverse physical therapy staff.
4. Skill in forging positive interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution.
5. Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within the section.
6. Ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, and solve problems to meet multiple deadlines and identify/address organizational problems.
7. Ability to manage advocacy roles and planning activities within the VA and the greater rehabilitation community.

Preferred Experience: Preferred experience includes 4+ years of outpatient orthopedic physical therapy experience. Preferred experience with pelvic floor PT or another outpatient specialty background.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99, PART II, APPENDIX G12, FEBRUARY 7, 2018

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment. Sitting is required in meeting and for conducting administrative work. Above average agility may be desirable in defending oneself (or others) against physical attack/abuse. Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity.

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.