Graduate Physical Therapist

Summary
The Physical Therapistwill provide care and treatment with the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service Line at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The Physical Therapist will spend the majority of time working in the on the inpatient acute medicine & surgical team however may be assigned general outpatient and Same Day Equipment coverage as needed.
This job is open to

• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens
Videos
Duties
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY
Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Clinical:

• Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet routine treatment objectives for a broad range of inpatient/outpatient populations. Exercises originality in solving problems and makes innovative adaptations of clinical procedures to meet the broad and varying needs of the patient population, and advises all other health care team members in this regard.
• Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment, will access to specialists for guidance on an as needed basis.
• Performs routine physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 20-85+ years old. Stage of life is considered and used to modify evaluation and treatment based on the needs of the individual. Assessment of the patient's learning needs is performed and patient education is tailored to meet those needs involving the patient, family and significant others in the process as appropriate.
• Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication.
• Plans and carries out the full range of routine interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are routine and procedures involved require the application of skills and knowledge in the area of acute and chronic conditions of the spine and peripheral joints. Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill, or who have a combination of severe mental/emotional or physical disabilities. Treatment will be provided in the facility and in the community as appropriate for the patient's needs. These skills and interventions will be based on current physical therapy theory, research and practice.
• 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. The employment of innovative treatment techniques is used to obtain the best outcome. The coordination of multiple treatment approaches simultaneously is needed to accomplish routine to treatment objectives. Critical assessment of treatment outcomes will be regularly performed.
• Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and is able to make modifications as necessary.
• Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of this routine patient population.

Education:

• Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for physical therapy students. Training experiences are designed to fulfill student educational and professional requirements. Student performance is evaluated in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association and academic program guidelines.
• Shares knowledge and expertise about the scope of physical therapy practice and services provided to the general outpatient/inpatient population within the physical therapy department, PM&R Service, medical center and community. This is provided through direct consultation, mentorship, development of in-services and clinical training and leading by example.
• Completes educational activities and competencies to maintain state licensure and any additional certification(s) as required by the certifying/licensing agency and the VA.
• Completes annual mandatory reviews and other education as directed by National Headquarters, VISN, Medical Center, Service Line, and Department.

Administrative:

• Actively participates in program development for the physical therapy department to improve efficiency and quality of care provided to patients.
• Represents physical therapy in the development of policies and procedures, quality assurance monitors and related standards of care.
• Attend educational and development meetings for PM&R service, Physical Therapy Department, and inpatient/outpatient therapy teams.
• Aware of and adheres to the department/service/facility's values, mission, rules, policies and procedures and the American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Practice and Standards of Ethics to insure quality patient care.
• Aware of safety concerns, regulations, policies and procedures, and employs appropriate safety practices.

Work Schedule: Compressed with weekend.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• 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).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
a. Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned.
b. 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.
c. 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 authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.
Grade Determinations:
GS-11 (Entry Level)
(a) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-12 (Full Performance Level)
(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:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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:
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G12. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11 and GS-12.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.