Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and all US Citizens.

Videos

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY

Major Duties:

• Clinical: The incumbent is assigned to the PM&R service.
• 1. Upon referral from a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, evaluates patients of varying complexity to determine functional status, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Referrals may be self-referred by the patient as part of a "Direct Access" program.
  2. Demonstrates the ability to conduct independent patient assessments using routine and highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests that are applicable to the Wheeled Mobility population.
  3. Screens and evaluates patients for appropriate referral and treatment based on ALM policies and standards, guidelines from VHA. Routinely monitors chart and queries patients regarding any changes in medical status that would impact patient's participation.
  4. Follows appropriate safety measures in completing assessments, treatment, training, and equipment/device trialing.
  5. Documents prescription of adaptive equipment to maximize function and safety.
  6. Maintains work area, equipment, and supplies in accordance with safety regulations and policies.
  7. Practices appropriate safety procedures and precautions for both patient and self when utilizing devices and equipment related to Wheeled Mobility services.
  8. Demonstrates knowledge in evaluating and treating patients who have experienced limb loss, traumatic brain injuries, neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and neurological injuries.
  9. Incumbent is responsible for comprehensive evaluations of patients for DME and orthotics. Once the evaluation is complete, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating equipment needs with the physician and Prosthetics Service. Additionally, the incumbent will train the patient on the appropriate DME required for safety and functional mobility.
  10. Demonstrates an effective working knowledge of physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities used for veterans who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries, amputations, neurological injuries, multiple traumas or other debilitation.
  11. Utilizes critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of patients. Has the ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrates the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques. Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment available for physical therapy treatments.
  12. Demonstrates knowledge of learning principles, behavioral interventions and innovational techniques for patient and caregiver education. Demonstrates skills in teaching body mechanics to patients and caregivers to minimize risk of injury.
  13. Communicates and works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the delivery of physical therapy services to patients with a need for Wheeled Mobility services.
  14. Maintains the Functional Independence Measure Scale (FIM) certification, as directed by supervisor and assigned treatment area.
  15. As assigned, completes the FIM and/or other measurement scales as requested at admission and discharge. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate treatment outcomes of physical therapy interventions.
  16. Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Administration
  1. Follows procedures consistent with STVHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations.
  2. Maintains all data for quality assurance monitoring and evaluates data at specific intervals.
  3. Maintains adequate level of supplies.
  4. Maintains equipment in safe and operable conditions through inspection and requests submission of work orders, as necessary.
  5. Other duties as assigned.
• Education
  1. Supervises and trains therapy students, other healthcare students and volunteers.
  2. Demonstrates the ability to teach and mentor staff in specialty area, exercise science and transfer/gait training. Provides in-services and training for physical therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. Orients new staff members to the role of physical therapy.
  3. Participates in accredited educational programs related to wheeled mobility to maintain credentials as a Certified Wheeled Mobility Specialist

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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:
  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 postbaccalaureate 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.
  • Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b 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. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

1. Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and one of the following:
   • Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past two and five years; or
   • Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or
   • Completion of a fellowship program; or
   • An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs.
2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
   • Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy.
   • Ability to serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized content area of physical therapy (see paragraph 2i).
   • Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
   • Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
   • Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area (see Definitions, paragraph 2. i.).

1. 5+ years of OT/PT experience, independently managing a caseload
2. 1+ years experience in a seating and mobility clinic
3. RESNA Credentialing as Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) or NRRTS equivalent
4. 1+ year experience of coordination of patient care with a Complex Rehabilitation Technology supplier such as National Seating & Mobility, NuMotion, Reliable Medical, etc
5. Advanced certified with RESNA as a Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS)

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, resume, 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.