Physical Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Valdosta, GA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist provides coverage in Primary Care as needed at the Valdosta VA Clinic, developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for referred patients. The role involves collaborating with patients, families, care partners, and the care team, and supervising assigned students and volunteers. The position provides assessment and treatment interventions, plans and modifies care based on patient response or changes in medical condition, and may include general assignments in physical therapy program areas that do not require advanced specialized knowledge.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-12; selection may be at GS-11 or GS-12. The position requires a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy education, a current unrestricted state license (subject to the stated exception for temporary graduate PT appointments), and the applicable education and experience qualifications. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, proficient in spoken and written English, and meet the other conditions of employment described in the announcement.

Physical Therapy is classified as medium work. The role requires exerting 20–50 pounds of force occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects; performing passive range-of-motion exercises that require moving patients’ extremities; and good manual dexterity to manipulate tools and equipment.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated statutory exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited college or university physical therapy program.
• 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 physical therapist experience; or a doctorate degree in physical therapy.
• Hold a full, current, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, subject to the stated temporary graduate PT appointment exception.
• For GS-12 consideration, have one year of experience equivalent to GS-11, hold a valid unrestricted state license, and demonstrate the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities, including autonomous clinical decision-making, examination and evaluation, interpretation of findings, diagnosis and referral, prognosis and goal setting, and clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students.
• For foreign physical therapy program graduates, hold a full, unrestricted, current U.S. physical therapy license as specified in the announcement.
• Meet pre-employment conditions, including background/security investigation, drug screening if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, required onboarding and identification requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period as a condition of employment.
• Meet the physical demands of medium work, including patient movement and manual dexterity requirements.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of primary care experience.
• An APTA specialty certification.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and assess assigned patients to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
• Perform tests and measurements of muscles, nerves, range of motion, posture, strength, ambulation, circulatory status, and respiratory status using mechanical and electrical means.
• Interpret test and measurement results to prepare and modify treatment plans and evaluate treatment outcomes.
• Plan and implement comprehensive treatment regimens designed to maximize patients’ functional potential.
• Attend continuing education programs related to evaluation and treatment of general musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and neurological problems, both acute and chronic.
• Participate in multidisciplinary ward or clinic rounds as needed, sharing patient assessment and progress information and physical therapy management recommendations.
• Communicate orally and in writing, and document assessments, goals, patient and family education, progress, and changes in treatment or patient condition in medical records.
• Coordinate patients’ total care effectively with treatment team members and other health care providers.
• Delegate to and provide clinical supervision for Physical Therapy Assistants, and routinely modify caseloads and treatment plans.
• Supervise the clinical training experiences of technical- and professional-level physical therapy interns.
• Collaborate with patients, families, care partners, and the care team; provide Primary Care coverage as needed.
• At the full performance level, independently provide assessment and treatment interventions for referred and self-referred inpatients and outpatients, establish diagnoses within physical therapy scope, determine prognosis and goals, and refer patients to other providers when clinically indicated.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree