Physical Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Sioux Falls, SD

18d • Onsite

About The Position

This Physical Therapist position is within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System and surrounding community-based outpatient clinics. The primary purpose is to provide direct patient care to maximize Veterans’ functional ability. The therapist independently develops and implements physical therapy treatment programs and uses clinical judgment to modify treatment based on patient response and changes in medical condition. The position provides outpatient assessment and treatment, coordinates care with treatment team members, patients and their families, and other health care providers, and communicates effectively through clinical records and other written and oral channels.

The Physical Therapist reviews and interprets consults, determines whether referrals are appropriate, and uses screening methods and evaluation tools to assess patients. The therapist develops, implements, and documents individualized treatment plans; performs complex treatment procedures addressing physical and psychosocial needs; teaches new or compensatory skills; and develops discharge plans with appropriate follow-up resources. The role also includes clinical oversight of Physical Therapist Assistants and students in Doctoral PT or PTA programs.

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

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program, with one of the following: a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and five years of progressively independent experience; a master’s degree in physical therapy and two years of progressively independent experience; or a doctorate in physical therapy.
• A full, current, and 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 provision.
• For GS-12 consideration: one year of experience equivalent to GS-11, a valid unrestricted state license, and demonstrated ability to make autonomous Direct Access clinical decisions; perform and interpret examinations and evaluations; integrate findings into plans of care; establish a diagnosis within physical therapy scope and identify interventions or referrals; determine prognosis and goals based on findings and patient preferences; and oversee Physical Therapist Assistants and students.
• Compliance with background and security investigation requirements and pre-employment onboarding and identification requirements.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Completion of a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Selected applicants must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment after the trial period.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct outpatient physical therapy assessment and treatment to Veterans to maximize functional ability.
• Make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment, including evaluating and treating patients with limited supervision.
• Coordinate patients’ total care with treatment team members, patients, family members or significant others, and other health care providers.
• Communicate through clinical medical records and other written and oral channels to support collaboration and teamwork.
• Review and interpret consults to determine whether referrals are appropriate for evaluation and treatment.
• Use appropriate screening methods and evaluation tools to examine and evaluate patients with actual or potential impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
• Determine physical therapy prognosis using examination findings and patient preferences to set appropriate goals, optimize outcomes, and maximize functional independence.
• Develop, implement, and document individualized treatment plans, including results, patient response, and education provided.
• Modify treatment based on patient response or changes in medical condition.
• Perform complex treatment procedures addressing physical and psychosocial problems and teach new or compensatory skills to restore, compensate for, or adapt performance.
• Develop and execute discharge plans, identify follow-up resources, and summarize functional status from evaluation through discharge.
• Provide independent clinical oversight of Physical Therapist Assistants and students in Doctoral PT or PTA programs.
• Select appropriate equipment to substitute for lost or limited function.
• Establish a physical therapy diagnosis within scope of practice, identify appropriate rehabilitation interventions, and refer patients for further consultation when clinically indicated.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

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