Physical Therapist - Home Based Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration • Canton, OH

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist works in the Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program, which provides comprehensive interdisciplinary care to veterans with complex medical and psychosocial conditions in their homes. The therapist evaluates patients’ function and safety in the home and community, assesses dysfunction, and develops individualized plans of care with functional, measurable goals. The role includes patient assessment and treatment, documentation and quality-improvement data collection, collaboration with other care providers, support for HBPC programs, and participation in staff orientation and in-service activities.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 0800–1630. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full-performance level is GS-12; selection may be at GS-11 or GS-12. The role requires a current unrestricted physical therapy license, a non-restricted driver’s license, and operation of a government-owned or leased motor vehicle. The position is in the Excepted Service and requires a pre-employment physical examination.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exceptions for non-citizens.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet at least one education-and-experience pathway: a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and five years of progressively independent PT experience; a master’s degree in Physical Therapy and two years of progressively independent PT 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. A qualifying non-licensed PT may be temporarily appointed under the stated conditions and must practice under licensed PT supervision.
• Maintain a non-restricted driver’s license; the position requires operation of a government-owned or leased vehicle.
• For GS-12, have one year of experience equivalent to GS-11, hold a valid unrestricted state license, and demonstrate the listed clinical knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, and seasonal influenza vaccination program participation.
• Complete the online onboarding process and required application documentation; provide acceptable identification for employment verification.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the physical demands of the position, including heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more; reaching above shoulder; walking and standing up to eight hours; and negotiating multiple flights of stairs while carrying a treatment bag.
• Have the physical capabilities specified for use of fingers, both hands, both legs (including one prosthetic), vision as required for a driver’s license, hearing (hearing aid permitted), and mental and emotional stability.
• For a temporary graduate PT appointment, practice only under the supervision of a licensed PT and obtain licensure within the stated period.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of successful therapy practice in home health care or four years of inpatient medical experience.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Ability to work independently and make competent clinical decisions using critical-thinking skills.
• Sound documentation, patient-assessment, and interdisciplinary care-planning skills.
• Ability to work independently in the community.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist the HBPC therapy supervisor in planning and developing treatment programs to meet patient needs, as requested.
• Actively support and promote HBPC programs.
• Assist with orientation of new HBPC staff.
• Maintain regular written, telephone, and in-person communication with other health care providers involved in patient care at the Cleveland VA Medical Center.
• See patients within specified time limits and triage them according to acute needs.
• Maintain patient-care records and collect quality-improvement data as specified by the HBPC therapy supervisor.
• Assess patients referred to HBPC for dysfunction using appropriate tests and measures; evaluate findings and develop a plan of care with functional, measurable goals and an appropriate timeframe.
• Demonstrate competency in electronic documentation and computer skills.
• Participate in staff orientation and in-service activities.
• Maintain professional licensure and complete required annual continuing education for license renewal.
• Provide physical therapy assessment and treatment interventions; plan and modify treatment based on patient response or changes in medical condition.
• Provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students on clinical affiliations, as applicable to the position and qualifications.
• Operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle to carry out assigned duties.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Selected applicants may qualify to receive credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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