Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent employees of the facility/CBOCs where this vacancy is located: Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The balance of the therapist's time will be spent assisting the CBRU Program Director in coordinating, supervising, and directing the specialized program of the Community Based Rehab Unit of CAVHS which includes outpatient occupational therapy and physical therapy, physician, APN, DO, Chiropractic and rehab nursing clinics, and multiple specialty clinics including multidisciplinary pain, Hand, Orthopedics, and Wheelchair. Individuals involved in the interdisciplinary team of the Community Based Rehab Unit include physical and occupational therapists, physicians, MD and DO, APN, nursing, chiropractors, rehabilitation therapy. assistants, medical clerks, specialty pain and CIH providers, residents, and students.

The duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Supervises and coordinates PMRS services provided at all CAVHS CBOC locations across multiple disciplines including physician, APN, Chiropractor, RN, physical therapy and occupational therapy including assignment of work for evaluation and treatment of patients referred to PMRS Community Based Rehab Unit in assistance to or in the absence of the Program Director. Clinics include a variety of specialty areas including Physician Pain procedures, CIH, Hand Specialty, Telehealth, Cardiac, Home Based Care, Musculoskeletal, Outpatient, Hand, Orthopedic, and Wheelchair.
2. Supervises and coordinates the review of all PMRS CBOC Outpatient consults to determine appropriateness of physical and occupational therapy orders in assistance to or in the absence of the Program Director. Contacts referring providers for further clarification of orders as necessary and educates referring providers on services provided by PMRS
3. Supervises and coordinates the review of all PMRS CBOC Outpatient consults to correctly triage patients for timely physician, physical therapy and/or occupational therapy intervention to ensure maximal functional outcomes in assistance to or in the absence of the Program Director.
4. Determines department priorities, assigns work, and ensures that established productivity is maintained across multiple disciplines including physical therapy, chiropractic, nursing, occupational therapy, rehabilitation therapy assistants, and medical support assistants in assistance to or in the absence of the Program Director.
5. Monitors scheduling practices for chiropractor, physical therapy, and occupational therapy clinics to ensure that patients are scheduled in a timely manner based on acuity to promote the highest possible functional outcome.
6. Develops department policy and procedure to meet required guidelines and reviews and revises policy and procedure according to established practices to meet current standards and directives in assistance to or in the absence of the Program Director.
7. Represents PMRS on hospital wide boards/committees in an intelligent and professional manner and is responsible for triaging and disseminating information from these boards/committees to PMRS management and staff as indicated.
8. Assures compliance of assigned staff with professional standards of practice and all federal and regulatory guidelines such as JC, CARF, and OSHA to achieve expected quality and safe outcomes of care. Initiates action plans to improve quality and safety as indicated in assistance to or in the absence of the Program Director.
9. Is knowledgeable of Human Resource hiring practices and involved with staff resource planning, including engaging actively in recruitment and interviewing for positions in PMRS. Recommends appointments and advancement, and when appropriate, disciplinary action.
10. Develops, reviews and assesses current required skills lists for therapists and recommends changes as appropriate.
11. Evaluates skill performance of staff including physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation therapy assistants, and medical support assistants and identifies education and training needs.
12. Develops, reviews and monitors the Quality Management/Improvement projects in accordance with the CAVHS Performance Improvement framework.
13. Approves court, sick, and annual leave for all assigned personnel without jeopardizing treatment programs and in accordance with EEO standards, AFGE contract and policies. Requests authorized absence, maternity leave, leave without pay etc. for employees from the Chief, PM&RS. Complies with Family Leave Act and educates staff as needed.
14. Assists in maintaining appropriate clinical coverage within the CBRU.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 598-00615-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 identification 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.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• 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.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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.
• 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 post- baccalaureate 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.
  • (4) 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. TheCredentials 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.

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- 13 Physical Therapist (Supervisory)

(a)Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs.

(b)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 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 in order 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: 5 or more years' VA experience providing complex evaluation and treatment of PT including providing direct care. Familiar with supervisory methods such as productivity management, time and leave management, and assignment of specialized care such as, but not limited to, DME, Power Mobility, Amputee, etc. Understands the unique elements of the Community Based Rehabilitation Unit (CBRU) practice, including the levels of care delivery in the outpatient across multiple locations. Familiar with the development of specialized telehealth programs such as VVC, or telehealth.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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.