Physical Therapist - Fee
About The Position
The Physical Therapist independently assesses and treats outpatients referred by health care providers, individually or in groups, to relieve pain, restore or enhance performance, and maximize functional independence. The position applies physical therapy knowledge and clinical skills to evaluate and treat Veterans with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and functional impairments across diverse populations. Duties are carried out throughout the medical center, including clinical and patient-care areas served. The position is under the overall supervision of the Department Chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&R). This is an intermittent, non-virtual position. The specific tour will be discussed during the interview. Compensation is $65 per consultation or re-evaluation/assessment and $30 per physical therapy treatment, with a salary cap of $5,633.
Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- Meet one of the education and experience pathways: a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy and five years of progressively independent physical therapist experience; a master's degree in Physical Therapy and two years of progressively independent physical therapist experience; or a doctorate degree in physical therapy.
- Graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited college or university.
- Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Limited temporary appointment provisions may apply to qualifying unlicensed graduate physical therapists.
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment and independently evaluate and treat patients seeking physical therapy services.
- Demonstrate skill in examining and evaluating individuals with actual or potential impairments, activity limitations, or participation restrictions involving musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or integumentary systems, considering psychosocial and environmental factors.
- Interpret examination and evaluation findings, select appropriate tests and measures, and integrate findings into plans of care for a full range of patient populations.
- Establish diagnoses within the scope of physical therapy and identify appropriate rehabilitation interventions, including referral to another provider when clinically indicated.
- Determine prognosis and set appropriate treatment goals using examination findings and patient preferences to optimize outcomes and functional independence.
- Complete a background/security investigation, online onboarding, and pre-employment physical evaluation; submit acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
- Undergo urinalysis screening for illegal drug use if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of employment.
- Meet Selective Service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
- Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening or testing.
Responsibilities
- Complete physical therapy evaluations.
- Conduct re-evaluations and assessments as clinically indicated.
- Plan and implement individualized treatment interventions based on patient needs and functional goals.
- Recommend mobility equipment, therapeutic exercise programs, and safety strategies to support functional independence.
- Enter consultation results and progress notes in the electronic medical record.
- Notify the provider of assessment results and recommendations.
- Provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT or PTA programs.
Benefits
- A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available, subject to eligibility based on position type and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
