Physical Therapist (Supervisory)

Veterans Health Administration • Nashville, TN

13d

About The Position

The Supervisory Physical Therapist directs and manages the physical therapy program in a rehabilitation service or equivalent service-level department with three or more physical therapists or other multidisciplinary staff. The position provides clinical and technical oversight, supervises staff and training programs, and develops and implements policies and procedures addressing clinical needs and services. It also oversees coordination and delivery of care within the section and facility.

The role independently initiates and enters diagnostic imaging orders as authorized by Medical Center Bylaws and the VHA Physical Therapy scope of practice, uses current evidence to select appropriate imaging, and follows up on results under VA guidelines. This includes communicating with the Patient Aligned Care Team about next steps and placing consults when permitted by bylaws and privileging. The position serves patients with care appropriate to their age and cognitive, emotional, and chronological development, and communicates courteously and respectfully with patients, visitors, volunteers, and staff.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ad hoc telework may be available as determined by agency policy; this is not a virtual position. The position is in the Excepted Service and has a one- or two-year trial period. The full performance level is GS-14, and the actual grade for selection is GS-14.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• A full, current, and 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.
• Meet one of the basic 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 experience; or a doctorate in physical therapy.
• For GS-13 qualification, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-12, in addition to the basic requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary physical therapy across multiple practice areas and ability to provide clinical guidance to staff physical therapists.
• Demonstrate knowledge of human resources administration, including interviewing and selecting applicants, monitoring and evaluating performance, and maintaining effective labor-management relations within the scope of responsibility.
• Demonstrate ability to supervise, direct, and manage physical therapy staff effectively.
• Demonstrate skill in positive interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrate ability to analyze clinically appropriate data to optimize quality, performance, and productivity.
• Demonstrate ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, solve problems, meet multiple deadlines, and identify and address organizational problems.
• Demonstrate ability to manage advocacy roles and planning activities within VA and the broader rehabilitation community.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, drug screening when applicable, seasonal influenza vaccination, and onboarding documentation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, administratively manage, and direct the physical therapy program in a service-level department with three or more physical therapists or other multidisciplinary staff.
• Provide supervision of key clinical and training programs, including technical oversight of staff.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to address clinical needs and services delivered within the section.
• Assign work, monitor workload and clinical volume, review employee work for accuracy and validity, ensure adequate clinical staffing, impose disciplinary measures, and monitor clinical privileges.
• Provide clinical supervision to ensure appropriate coordination and delivery of care within the section and facility.
• Initiate and enter diagnostic imaging orders as authorized by Medical Center Bylaws and the VHA Physical Therapy scope of practice, using current evidence to select appropriate imaging.
• Review and communicate imaging results in a timely manner according to VA guidelines, coordinate with the Patient Aligned Care Team on next steps, and place consults when permitted.
• Communicate and treat patients, visitors, volunteers, and Medical Center staff courteously, tactfully, and respectfully; provide consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• Handle customer conflicts and problems constructively and appropriately.
• Provide care and services appropriate to the age and cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation of patients.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, subject to position eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal work or military service, if requested and approved before appointment; not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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