Physical Therapist

Summary

This position is located in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System in Prescott - Arizona. The Physical Therapist delivers patient care using a four-step process that includes assessment - treatment planning - implementation of therapeutic interventions - and ongoing evaluation of outcomes. This position will primarily in the Outpatient Clinics - other duty locations may be assigned dependent on need.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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

English Language Proficiency

Individuals must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.

7403 (f)

Education

Candidates must have: A bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist

OR A master's in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist

OR A 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

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

Foreign Graduates

Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the above 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

The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non- 4 profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction - foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy

FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent ""best practices"" in evaluation services

The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool

Licensure

All applicants must 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

Loss of Credentials: 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

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)

Grade Determinations: Grade GS-11: None beyond the basic requirements

Grade GS-12: Experience/Education

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level

OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field

Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities

In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill in communicating and coordinating with patients - families - caregivers - and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process

Knowledge of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to a wide variety of patients having multiple disabilities

Ability to conduct independent assessments using highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests

Knowledge of learning principles - behavioral intervention - and innovational techniques for patient and caregiver education

Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques

Ability to use clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in depth specific assessment and/or continuation of treatment

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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

GS-12 (Full Performance Level): Practices autonomously at the full performance level - making clinically indicated recommendations and referrals to other specialties/services during ongoing assessment

Selects and applies equipment and assistive technology to substitute for loss or limited function - ensuring safety and efficacy

Performs general assignments across physical therapy service areas and - when required - serves as the sole PT in less complex settings

performs occasional ancillary assignments

Provides direct access care - independently making autonomous clinical decisions to evaluate and treat patients across Outpatient - Inpatient - and CLC settings

Performs comprehensive examinations and evaluations addressing musculoskeletal - neuromuscular - cardiovascular - pulmonary - and integumentary systems - integrating psychosocial and environmental factors

Interprets examination findings and diagnostic studies - selects appropriate clinical tests and measures - and integrates results into an evidence-based plan of care for the full range of patient populations

Establishes physical therapy diagnoses and identifies appropriate rehabilitation interventions - referring to other providers for further consultation when indicated

Determines physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with patient preferences to set clinically appropriate goals - optimize outcomes - and maximize functional independence

Selects and fits equipment to substitute for loss or limited function and trains patients/caregivers in safe and effective use

Develops and updates evidence-based treatment programs

reviews/analyzes treatment effectiveness

modifies plans of care to achieve patient-centered outcomes

Coordinates patient referrals and discharge planning with PT and Medical Center staff

participates in interdisciplinary rounds - specialty clinics - conferences - and provides patient presentations

Provides clinical oversight to Physical Therapist Assistants - delegating and supervising tasks consistent with scope - regulations - and patient safety

Serves as Clinical Instructor for PT and PTA students

delivers individualized clinical training experiences

observes and evaluates student performance using affiliated institutions' evaluation guides

Documents patient performance - response - and functional achievement toward goals

maintains timely - complete - and accurate records

assures productivity and quality care while providing cost-effective treatments

Mentors junior Physical Therapists - models outstanding clinical practice - and contributes to research and educational activities to advance physical therapy knowledge and techniques

Communicates clearly - courteously - and respectfully with patients - families - and stakeholders

clarifies information

responds to inquiries/complaints in a timely manner

refers inquiries appropriately

maintains confidentiality and privacy in all communications

Displays a cooperative attitude and works effectively with coworkers - supervisors - interdisciplinary team members - and other services to implement section - service - and organizational goals

identifies and resolves interpersonal/professional conflicts

Reports unusual difficulties involving patient treatment to the Supervisor - Acting Supervisor - or Service Chief of PM&RS - and the referring provider as needed

Availability for occasional travel and weekend work as needed to meet patient care and operational needs

GS-11 (Developmental Level): PTs at this level are responsible for providing assessment and treatment intervention

PTs plan and modify treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition

PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any physical therapy program area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required or may serve as the sole PT such as in an outpatient clinic

Licensed PTs may provide oversight and delegate patient care responsibilities to a Physical Therapist Assistant - and/or delegate non- patient care duties to non-licensed staff

PTs that are not licensed must practice under the close supervision of a licensed PT Work Schedule: 40 hours a week - Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized