Physical Therapist - EDRP Authorized

Veterans Health Administration • Abilene, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist is a staff member of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the West Texas VA Health Care System, based at its Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Abilene, Texas. The role carries a full patient load and includes maintaining patient records in accordance with service, VA, and JCO policies and standards. The therapist may be required to provide coverage at any location within the health care system.

The therapist independently examines Veterans, identifies rehabilitation problems, establishes treatment goals, and develops and implements individualized treatment plans. They evaluate responses to treatment and adjust plans to optimize outcomes, order appropriate durable medical equipment, teach Veterans to use equipment safely, and make recommendations to primary care providers and specialty care. The position involves regular communication with staff involved in Veteran care and representation of the Physical Therapy Department and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at clinical and administrative meetings as assigned.

The therapist supports other physical therapists and, as needed, supervises or supports physical therapist assistants. They may supervise clinical training for physical therapy students, arrange meaningful clinical and educational experiences, participate in team rounds and in-service education, and develop or deliver education for staff. They also maintain the Physical Therapy Clinic section and equipment and report hazards and supply needs.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Full, current, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• 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 licensing provision.
• Meet at least one education and experience pathway: 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 experience; or a doctorate in physical therapy.
• For selection at GS-12: one year of experience equivalent to GS-11, a valid unrestricted state license, and demonstrated ability to make autonomous clinical decisions; perform examinations and evaluations; interpret findings and develop plans of care; establish physical therapy diagnoses and interventions; determine prognosis and goals; and provide clinical oversight of physical therapist assistants and students.
• Submit a transcript with the application if relying on education to establish qualifications.
• Meet VA pre-employment conditions, including applicable drug screening, background/security investigation, onboarding and identification requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period if appointed.

Nice To Haves

• Four years of clinical experience with adult patients.
• Experience supervising Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs).
• Experience ordering or recommending durable medical equipment (DME).

Responsibilities

• Examine and evaluate Veterans referred to Physical Therapy and identify rehabilitation problems.
• Develop and implement treatment plans and goals suited to each Veteran's needs; evaluate treatment response and modify plans to optimize outcomes.
• Maintain patient records in accordance with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VA, and JCO policies and standards.
• Order appropriate durable medical equipment and instruct Veterans in its safe use.
• Make recommendations to primary care providers and specialty care, and refer to other providers when clinically indicated.
• Provide daily support to physical therapists and, as needed, supervise or support physical therapist assistants.
• Supervise clinical training experiences for physical therapy students when qualified, and arrange appropriate educational experiences for students as needed.
• Participate in team rounds, conferences, and in-service education activities; design, conduct, and evaluate education for staff within the specialty area.
• Maintain regular written, telephone, and personal contact with key staff involved in Veteran care.
• Represent the Physical Therapy Department and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at clinical and administrative meetings as assigned.
• Maintain the Physical Therapy Clinic section and equipment and report hazardous conditions and supply needs.
• Provide Physical Therapy coverage at any location within the West Texas VA Health Care System as needed.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval, with awards up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on pay, qualifications, or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees and families meeting the stated income and eligibility criteria.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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