Physical Therapist ( Clinical Specialist )

Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

The Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist in Pelvic Health is a clinical specialist assigned to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) and serves as the subject matter expert in pelvic rehabilitation,with emphasis on with emphasis on pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and related pelvic health conditions in both male and female veterans. The incumbent serves as a consultant to Physical Therapists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding the evaluation and treatment of complex pelvic health conditions.

This Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist demonstrates advanced clinical skills and judgment in the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with complex functional impairments and pelvic health disorders. The incumbent applies advanced evaluation methodologies and evidence-based treatment approaches in the provision of care to a diverse Veteran population.

The Physical therapist is primarily assigned to the Outpatient (OP) Physical Therapy Clinic and independently evaluates Veterans with complex impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, and pelvic health conditions. The therapist performs comprehensive examinations, identifies impairments and functional limitations, develops and modifies treatment plans, and coordinates care with interdisciplinary team members to ensure appropriate interventions and recommendations for additional evaluation or specialty referral when indicated. The incumbent provides specialized evaluation and treatment of male and female Veterans with pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary and bowel disorders, pelvic pain, sexual health-related dysfunction, pregnancy and postpartum-related conditions, post-surgical pelvic dysfunction, and other pelvic rehabilitation needs.

The Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist serves as a mentor and resource for Physical Therapy staff and other healthcare professionals regarding pelvic rehabilitation assessment, treatment techniques, and evidence-based interventions. The incumbent provides consultation throughout the medical center and associated clinics and assists in the development and advancement of pelvic health rehabilitation services.

This clinical specialist receives direct referrals and consultations from Primary Care, Women's Health, Urology, Gynecology, Colorectal Surgery, PM&RS, and other specialty clinics. The incumbent collaborates with community providers and serves as a resource for pelvic health rehabilitation throughout the facility and VISN when appropriate.

Additional duties include participation in program development, quality improvement initiatives, staff education, student and trainee mentoring, and completion of administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 09839F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement

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:
• (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist.
• (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist.
• (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy.

NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. Transcripts Required

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

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. Copy of Licensure Required.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the following criteria must be met for appointment at the GS-12 grade level.
GS-13 Grade level - Education, Experience and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and one of the following:

1. Evidence of minimum of 2,000 of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past two and five years; or
2. Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or
3. Completion of a fellowship program; or
4. An additional advanced degree in related field.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's.

1. Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy.
2. Ability to serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized content area of physical therapy.
3. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
4. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
5. Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies
4. All other applicants

Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other federal agencies.

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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