Physical Therapist

Summary

This Physical Therapist position is under the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center located in Houston, Texas. Provides Physical Therapy (PT) services primarily in the PT/KT therapy clinic, the Rehab/Neuro and Ortho Nursing units mainly through referrals from various approved providers. Collaborates with RECL, Mental Health, Medical, and other Care Lines to ensure the prompt delivery of effective and efficient PT services for referred patients.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This position is based in the RECL at the MEDVAMC, and is administratively and clinically responsible to the Supervisory Occupational Therapist, Supervisory Rehabilitation Therapist, Rehabilitation Director, and the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Line Executive for patient care. Will also provide PT services in other therapy clinics and nursing units at MEDVAMC as needed/requested. May include approved outings into the community. Duties of the Physical Therapist include, but are not limited to: Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based Physical Therapy (PT) practice for patients who seek PT services. Skilled in performing examination and evaluation of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors. Independently develops a PT prognosis and incorporates examination findings to implement an appropriate patient centered PT rehabilitation plan of care for a variety of diagnoses while using appropriate judgment to modify treatment for changing medical conditions. Must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform more complex patient treatment procedures. Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process. Independently provides clinical oversight of PT Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT or PT Assistant Programs. Following referral/consult from a physician or other approved provider, reviews the medical record and independently evaluates each patient to determine functional deficits and the best method to accomplish rehabilitation goals. Applies recognized Physical Therapy (PT) treatment procedures correctly, safely, and modifies these techniques in such a manner as not to interfere with any traction devices, surgical drains, catheters, immobilizing appliances, respiratory aides, or monitoring devices. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment, significantly altered physical or mental status of patients, and reports to appropriate medical authority. Documents initial findings, treatment goals, equipment recommendations, treatment provided, patient progress, patient/family education, and discharge summary in patient's medical record. Evaluates and recommends appropriate assistive devices and adaptive equipment as indicated following an assessment. Accurately completes timely Prosthetics consults for recommended items. Fits devices appropriately for patient needs and instructs patient/care provider in the use of these devices. Participates in team conferences, rounds, discharge planning meetings, specialty clinics, and other assigned medical meetings. Consults with physicians, other therapists and medical personnel, the patient, and as indicated the family and/or caregiver, to develop and maximize benefit of the patient's therapy program. Observes infection control procedures, safety and treatment precautions pertinent to the patient's condition or disease process, and the specific treatment technique or procedure being utilized. Delegates plan of care and procedures to appropriate and qualified personnel as the situation indicates; i.e., PT Assistants/Aids/Health Tech, students, etc., or other persons with expertise indicated. Oversees the delegated procedures and monitors the plan of care. Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 08:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekend/Holiday work may be required (subject to change based on the needs of the facility). Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-02291-F; 580-00876-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

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 appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a 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(eliminating the baccalaureate degree). 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. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b 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. Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the a