Summary

This position provides comprehensive outpatient Physical Therapy services to Veterans within the Iowa City VA Health Care System. The therapist independently evaluates referred patients and develops - implements - and manages advanced - evidence-based treatment plans. The role functions as an autonomous clinician within the Rehabilitation Department of the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Service Line.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• (a) Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) (b) 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: 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
• (c) Licensure
• Individuals 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
• GS-12 (Full Performance Level) Grade Determinations: (a) 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: 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 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 the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations
• Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the 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 the 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: At least 1 year of experience as full-time physical therapist at GS-12 or equivalent level
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Driving Requirements: Travel is required - as needed - for staff trainings - patient assessment - equipment set up/instruction and patient treatment
• A current - valid state-issued driver's license is required for this position
• NOTE: We cannot accept photographs - therefore
• please do not submit a copy of your license with your application
• A clean driving record report from the DMV and a copy of your driver's license will be required during the online onboarding process if you are selected for this position
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of the examination.

Duties

• NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position
• For more information - refer to Required Documents below
• Duties include - but are not limited to: Plans and executes treatment programs to meet routine treatment for the veteran
• Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of this routine patient population
• Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT practice - facility and Rehabilitation Service policies and procedures
• Participates in regular team meetings - verbal and written communication and consultation amongst team members in order to guide and evaluate the work
• Performs routine physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 20-85+ years old
• Completes a comprehensive systems screen for all patients
• Involves the patient - family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication
• Interprets findings from examination - diagnostic studies/medical tests and - during evaluation - select appropriate clinical tests and measures - and then integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations
• Seeks consultation with other team members for adaptations to an assessment - goals and treatment as needed
• Plans and carries out the full range of routine interventions
• Modifies treatment approach for use with virtual care modalities to align with varied patient environment
• Demonstrates independent problem-solving skills that allow for frequent modification of treatment plans in response to subtle - but significant changes in the condition of the patient
• Uses innovative treatment techniques to obtain the best outcome
• Performs re-assessment of treatment outcomes
• Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and is able to make modifications as necessary
• Assesses the patient's learning needs and tailors patient education to meet those needs involving the patient - family - and significant others in the process as appropriate
• Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants in compliance with VA directive
• Participates in program development to improve efficiency and quality of care provided to patients
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30am to 4:00pm or 8:00am to 4:30pm 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