Physical Therapist

Veterans Health Administration • Phoenix, AZ

15h • Onsite

About The Position

This Physical Therapist position is in the Physical Therapy Department within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The therapist independently assesses and treats patients across PM&RS services and supports the Phoenix VA Health Care System, Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and Home Based Primary Care. The position provides care to patients referred to physical therapy and those who independently seek services, including patients across a broad range of ages and diagnoses.

The therapist evaluates patients, develops and carries out plans of care, establishes physical therapy diagnoses and prognoses, and recommends referrals or rehabilitation interventions as appropriate. The role includes selecting equipment and advising on home modifications to support safe functioning and participation in daily activities. The therapist also contributes to patient and staff education, clinical instruction, interdisciplinary care, and department activities. The position is onsite; telework and virtual work are not available. The full-performance and advertised grade is GS-12. The work schedule is Friday through Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with hours subject to adjustment based on clinic needs.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exceptions for non-citizens.
• Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited college or university.
• Meet one of the 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 physical therapist experience; or a doctorate degree in physical therapy.
• Hold 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.
• For GS-12, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) and a valid unrestricted state license.
• Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment, including independently evaluating and treating patients seeking physical therapy.
• Skill in examining and evaluating impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions involving musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering psychosocial and environmental factors.
• Ability to interpret examination and evaluation findings, select appropriate tests and measures, and incorporate findings into plans of care for a broad range of patient populations.
• Ability to establish a physical therapy diagnosis within the scope of practice and determine appropriate rehabilitation interventions, including referral for consultation when clinically indicated.
• Ability to determine prognosis and set appropriate treatment goals based on examination findings and patient preferences.
• Ability to provide independent clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and physical therapy or PTA students on clinical affiliations.
• Meet the position's physical and drug testing program requirements; duties include walking, ambulating and transferring patients, lifting up to 35 pounds, and supporting patients.
• Meet VA pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing if selected for a testing-designated position, and required onboarding steps.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of physical therapy experience in long-term care, a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, or Community Living Center (CLC).
• Experience in safe patient handling.
• Knowledge of and experience with restorative nursing programs.
• Advanced training or certifications in geriatrics or neurological rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Examine and treat patients referred to physical therapy or directly accessing Physical Therapy Services.
• Develop and implement patient education content based on current evidence-based practice.
• Provide in-service and clinical training programs as assigned by the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor, PM&RS Clinical Manager, and PM&RS Department Chief.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate staff educational experiences on physical therapy topics; participate in Journal Club and seek educational opportunities for the department and health system.
• Maintain timely data input using care plans, initial assessments, and specialty protocols in coordination with interdisciplinary staff.
• Represent the Physical Therapy Department and PM&RS at clinical and administrative meetings or rounds as assigned.
• Evaluate patient conditions and needs, establish treatment plans, and make referrals to other team professionals when appropriate.
• Assess needs for durable medical equipment, select appropriate equipment, and recommend home modifications to support safe functioning and participation in activities.
• Determine equipment and approaches to support home exercise programs, mobility, transfers, and safe functioning in the home environment.
• Refer patients to services such as the mobility clinic, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, MOVE, podiatry, prosthetics, and other services when needed.
• Review medical records from outlying facilities to determine whether referrals to community care are appropriate.
• Serve as a clinical instructor and role model for students and physical therapy staff.
• Perform annual competencies for PM&RS staff as requested.
• Provide autonomous assessment and treatment interventions for inpatients and outpatients, establish physical therapy diagnoses and prognoses, and refer to other providers when clinically indicated.
• Provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and students on clinical affiliations, as applicable.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal service, work experience, or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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