Physical Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Kerrville, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist practices at the assigned location throughout the STVHCS Geriatrics & Extended Care (GEC) Programs, as directed by the assigned Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) supervisor. The therapist evaluates patients and plans and provides treatments to improve function using physical modalities, therapeutic exercise, education, prostheses, assistive devices, and other modalities within the scope of practice outlined by the American Physical Therapy Association.

At the full-performance level, the Physical Therapist provides assessment and treatment interventions across GEC program areas, delivering professional, independent physical therapy services. The role may involve general assignments in program areas that do not regularly require advanced specialized knowledge, or serving as the sole Physical Therapist at a less complex facility. Occasional ancillary assignments, including program management, may make up less than 25% of duty time. The position also includes assigning, managing, and evaluating subordinate staff work.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telework is ad hoc only; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The full-performance level is GS-12; selection may be at GS-11 or GS-12.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited college or university, or meet the stated foreign-graduate requirements.
• Meet at least one basic education and experience pathway: bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy plus five years of progressively independent physical therapist experience; master's degree in Physical Therapy plus two years of progressively independent physical therapist experience; or doctorate degree in physical therapy.
• Hold a full, current, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated temporary graduate-PT exception.
• For GS-12, have one year of experience equivalent to GS-11 and a valid unrestricted state license.
• For GS-12, demonstrate ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment, including independently evaluating and treating patients seeking physical therapy services.
• For GS-12, demonstrate skill in examining and evaluating people with actual or potential impairments, activity limitations, or participation restrictions involving musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or integumentary systems, while considering psychosocial and environmental factors.
• For GS-12, demonstrate ability to interpret examination and evaluation findings, select appropriate tests and measures, and incorporate findings into plans of care for the full range of patient populations.
• For GS-12, demonstrate ability to establish a diagnosis within physical therapy's scope and identify appropriate rehabilitation interventions, including referral to another provider when clinically indicated.
• For GS-12, demonstrate ability to determine prognosis using examination findings and patient preferences to set appropriate goals, optimize outcomes, and maximize functional independence.
• For GS-12, demonstrate ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students in Doctoral PT or PTA clinical affiliations.
• Meet pre-placement and periodic physical examination requirements for hybrid occupations.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete the online onboarding process and application documentation requirements.
• If male and born after December 31, 1959, meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate referred patients, including complex cases, to determine functional status, problems, and individualized therapy needs.
• Independently plan and develop comprehensive treatment programs within specialty programs.
• Provide physical therapy treatment using appropriate modalities, therapeutic exercise, education, prostheses, assistive devices, and other modalities within the profession's scope of practice.
• Review and maintain documentation of initial findings, treatment goals, estimated treatment duration, equipment recommendations, interim progress, and discharge summaries in patients' medical records.
• Coordinate patients' total care with health care providers and communicate effectively with physical therapy and medical center staff.
• Participate in conferences and assigned medical meetings.
• Maintain working knowledge of clinic procedures and physical therapy equipment.
• Assign, manage, and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Maintain attendance records and submit monthly reports and statistics.
• Maintain procedures consistent with STVHCS policies and assist in developing standards of care that comply with professional accrediting organizations.
• Maintain quality-assurance data and evaluate it at specified intervals.
• Maintain adequate supplies and ensure equipment is safe and operable through inspections and work-order submissions as needed.
• Supervise and train physical therapy students and volunteers.
• If assigned, serve as clinical education coordinator for the HCBC Section.
• Provide in-service training for physical therapy staff and other professionals as needed.
• Orient visitors and volunteers to the role of physical therapy.
• Maintain an active professional state license and competency through continuing education, completing 3.0 Continuing Competency Units in each biennium.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, with eligibility depending on position type.
• Selected applicants may qualify for prior-service credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level