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 position is open only to current, permanent Boise VA employees

Videos

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

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Performs as an independent practitioner, embraces evidenced-based practice standards in diagnosis, examination, management, intervention, treatment and outcome measurement.
• Collaborates across the continuum of care. Ensures that services are coordinated, including recommending studies of value and being consumer centered by referring, co-managing, engaging consultants, and independently supervising care.
• Uses differential diagnosis as a consistent way to screen for systemic diseases and medical conditions that can mimic neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems. The model covers past medical history, risk factor assessment, clinical presentation, associated signs and symptoms, and review of bodily systems for each patient.
• Manages patients with multiple personal factors and/or comorbidities that impact the plan of care. Completes an examination of multiple body systems using standardized tests and measures, addressing multiple elements from any of the following: body structures and functions, activity limitations, and/or participation restrictions. Manages patients with unstable and unpredictable clinical presentations.
• Exercises clinical decision-making of high complexity using standardized patient assessment instruments and/or measurable assessments of functional outcome.
• Performs PT evaluations and treatments according to established PM&RS/HBPC protocols and/or evidence-based practice guidelines.
• Makes autonomous clinical decisions in an autonomous and/or Direct Access environment. Includes the ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for other medical center staff in the evaluation and rehabilitative treatment of individuals with, or at risk to develop, limitations related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and/or integumentary systems.
• Performs examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and or/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors.
• Interprets findings from examination and evaluation, selects appropriate tests and measures, and integrates findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations.
• Establishes a diagnosis with the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated.
• Determines the physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence.
• Independently provides clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs.
• Evaluates for, issues, and trains in the use of assistive devices.
• Communicates verbally and in writing in accordance with PM&RS performance standards.
• Participates in team, clinical, department, and program meetings.

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.

• 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

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship: Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned.

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.

Education: You must possess one of the following:
(1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist OR
(2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR
(3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy

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

Preferred Experience: PGY-2 in Ambulatory care (PACT-CPP), or board certified ambulatory care pharmacist (BCACP/board certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS)

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

This position is above full performance level

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.

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.