Physical Therapist

Summary

This position is located in the Physical Therapy Department within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Physical Therapist provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care and services provided by PM&RS. Supports the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS), Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), and Home Base Primary Care (HBPC).

Duties

30 Day Hiring Model The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty. What Applicants Can Expect Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration. Quick Interviews & References HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager. Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer. Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions. After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing. VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqYDuties include but not limited to the following: Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to and/or independently/directly accessing Physical Therapy Services. Develops and implements physical therapy patient education content, based on the most current evidence-based practice. Provides in-service and clinical training programs as assigned by the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) Clinical Manager, and PM&RS Department Chief. Designs, conducts, and evaluates educational experiences on physical therapy subject matter for staff members, taking an active role in Journal Club, and seeks educational opportunities to enhance the Physical Therapy Department, PM&RS, and the PVAHCS. Maintains timely data input utilizing care plans, initial assessments and/or specialty protocols as part of an ongoing process in coordination with other key interdisciplinary staff to provide effective patient care. Represents the Physical Therapy Department and PM&RS at various clinical and administrative meetings/rounds at the discretion of the Physical Therapy Supervisor(s). According to department policies, incumbent is authorized to perform examination and treatment of patients representing a wide scope of ages and diagnoses, rendering varied modalities inherent in their profession. Serves as a Clinical Instructor and role model for students and others on the physical therapy staff. Performs annual competencies for all PMRS staff as requested. Evaluates patient's condition upon appropriate referral to and/or patient's direct access request for physical therapy to determine treatment plan. Makes referrals to other team professionals as appropriate. Evaluates patient's needs with respect to durable medical equipment necessary for the patient in the home environment. Makes recommendations for home modifications to ensure the safe functioning of each patient. Selects appropriate equipment, determines which suits the patient best. Determines appropriate equipment necessary to allow patients to participate in activities including, but not limited to: home exercise program, assistive devices for mobility, and transfers. Determines the most efficient way for the patient to function safely in a home environment with the resources available for the patient. Makes appropriate referrals for evaluations when deemed necessary to the mobility clinic, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, MOVE, podiatry, prosthetics, and other services that may be necessary. Reviews patients' medical records from outlying facilities to determine appropriateness of triaging referral to community care. Work Schedule: Friday - Tuesday; 08:00 am - 04:30 pm. (Hours adjusted based on clinic needs) 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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: GS- 12 Physical Therapist Experience: Applicants must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade at the GS-11 and hold a valid unrestricted state license. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while cons