Summary
The Dayton, Ohio Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Rehabilitation Service is recruiting for a well-qualified Physical Therapist. This Physical Therapist provides rehabilitative services, primarily working with patients with mobility impairments, secondary to orthopedic, neuromuscular, med-surgical diagnosis, etc., with the goal being to improve clients' quality of life through improved functional mobility.
Duties
PTs are responsible for independently providing assessment/ treatment interventions to patients received through referrals. Perform examinations and evaluations of individuals who have /may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Interpret findings and during evaluation select appropriate clinical tests and measures, integrate findings into physical therapy plan of care. Establish diagnosis within scope and identify appropriate intervention to treat and/or refer to another provider. Determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with patient's preferences for meaningful level of function to set treatment goals/ optimize outcomes. Select appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss/limited function of individuals. May also develop and provide individualized clinical training experiences for physical therapy students. May be given general assignments in any/all areas where physical therapy services are deemed necessary, and/or may serve as sole PT at a less complex facility.
Duties include, but are not limited to, the duties of the GS-11 as well as:
- independently planning, developing, and implementing effective treatment protocols in the delivery of Physical Therapy for patients in an inpatient or outpatient rehab setting
- Independently solving problems related to contemporary physical therapy, adapting and modifying treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of an inpatient/outpatient population, including musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders
- teaching patients and family members, and serving as a consultant for health care providers regarding the delivery of care in Inpatient rehabilitation
- developing/modifying and implementing evidence based protocols and procedures in Physical Therapy services for Inpatients with a multitude of diagnoses
- assisting in evaluation and treatment of other referred patients
- Following referral/consult from a physician or other approved provider, reviewing medical record, and independently utilizing appropriate standard measures as well as evaluation techniques pertinent to diagnosis to determine functional deficits and best method to accomplish rehabilitation goals
- Independently developing, implementing and modifying treatment utilizing specialized interventions and strategies to achieve maximum function and independence
- Interpreting findings and educating patients and families about disease process, purpose of treatment, and patient's rights and responsibilities
- documenting results of evaluations, patient treatment including patient/family education, and response to treatment
- providing appropriate treatment for disabilities according to protocols, physician's orders, and medical necessity
- consulting with referring providers and multidisciplinary team members
- supervising assigned trainees and interns
- conducting in-services and clinical training
- Maintaining current credentials to practice by participating in professional and continuing education courses as required
- participating in research programs as requested
- participating in all required DVAMC annual training
- reviewing and demonstrating knowledge of DVAMC, The Joint Commission, CARF, and APTA policies, directives, regulations, and guidelines
- Participating in Performance Improvement programs
- Serving on Professional Standards Boards
- Serving on committees or teams
- participating in Performance Improvement activities and Peer Review
- developing and tracking functional outcomes
- maintaining adequate supplies, materials, and equipment
- maintaining current CPR certification and any other requirements
- patient scheduling
- Demonstrating courtesy in all interactions
- serving as consultant and resource person for other staff in regard to evaluation, treatment planning and provision of PT services for patients with variety of diagnoses
- evaluating work of subordinate staff and resolve problems
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 0800-1630
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 91717-0
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below:
- Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five years of progressively independent experience as physical therapist.
- Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two years of progressively independent experience as physical therapist.
- Doctorate degree in physical therapy.
- NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post- baccalaureate degrees. Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students.
- NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org.
- (4) Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- Licensure. Individuals hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored. Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification.
- Loss of Credential. A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation, if qualified, and if a placement opportunity exists.
- Grandfathering Provision. Please see 'How You Will Be Evaluated' below for full information.
- English Language Proficiency. Individuals appointed to serve in direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Grade Determinations:
Creditable Experience
- Knowledge of Contemporary Professional Physical Therapy Practice. To be creditable, a candidate must have demonstrated possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the scope of physical therapy practice. The candidate's experience may be evidenced by one or more of the following:
- (a) Active professional practice. Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as professional PT as defined by APTA or the appropriate licensing board. Experience gained after graduation but prior to licensure is creditable provided the candidate was utilized as graduate PT and subsequently passed licensure examination.
- (b) Completion of post-graduate fellowship or a post-graduate residency program may be substituted for creditable experience on year for year basis.
- Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was post degree experience as a professional PT and is directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to or exceeding the professional PT experience at the next lower grade level.
GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level)
- Education, Experience and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, hold a valid unrestricted state license and demonstrate all the KSAs below:
- Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services.
- Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors.
- Ability to interpret findings from examination and evaluation, select appropriate test and measures, and integrate findings into physical therapy plan of care for full range of patient populations.
- Ability to establish diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated.
- Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with patient's preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence.
- Ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs.
Preferred Experience: Evidence of outpatient PT experience
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment. Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work. Work may require physical stamina, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Grandfathering Provision. All licensed PTs employed in VHA on effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure that are part of basic requirements of occupation. For employees who do not meet all basic requirements required in this standard, but who met qualifications applicable to position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees grandfathered into the GS-0633 occupational series as PTs may be reassigned, promoted up to and including full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within occupation. PTs who are appointed on temporary basis prior to effective date of this qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet basic requirements of this standard. PTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, meet all basic requirements of this qualification standard and must maintain required credentials as condition of employment in the occupation. If PTs who are grandfathered under this provision leave occupation, employee loses protected status and must meet full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at time of reentry to occupation.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Transcripts for CAPTE accredited Physical Therapy Terminal Degree Program
- License to Practice Physical Therapy
- Proof of Active Professional Practice, Post-Graduate Fellowship, or Post-Graduate Residency Program
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Transcripts for CAPTE accredited Physical Therapy Terminal Degree Program
- License to Practice Physical Therapy
- Proof of Active Professional Practice, Post-Graduate Fellowship, or Post-Graduate Residency Program
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/10/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12561929.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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