Address
Form of workSummary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Open to all U.S. Citizens
Videos
Duties
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY
As a PACT Physical Therapist in the SORCC VA, the incumbent serves as a consultant and subject matter expert in orthopedic outpatient physical therapy within the department, VA network, PT profession and the community at large. As a PACT therapist the incumbent is competent is the screening, evaluation and treatment of any veteran referred to the service.
This position requires use for specialty knowledge to maintain the model for providing integrated PT service on a PACT team through direct access to PT and practicing at the top of licensure. This includes providing ongoing provider and interdisciplinary team education on PT scope of practice and training.
The incumbent continues to maintain and learn advanced skills in the area of outpatient orthopedics by attending continuing education courses and training when applicable. This will maintain and advance orthopedic and manual therapy skills needed to perform and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in addition to evaluating treatment outcomes in routine to complex patient presentations.
Functions:
a. Clinical: Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet routine to complex treatment objectives for the orthopedic and general outpatient physical therapy population. The incumbent independently evaluates and assesses patients self-referred through direct patient referral to determine the treatment course to be followed. The incumbent performs specialized tests and measurements of relevant body systems using various methods including specific methods specialized for the orthopedic and general outpatient populations. The incumbent is knowledgeable and independent in medical screening for direct access provision of PT services. The incumbent performs and interprets results of tests and measurements of the patient's condition for use in preparing a treatment plan, modifying a treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment. The individual demonstrates advanced and continuously growing skill in the area of orthopedic and general outpatient patient population evaluation including the use of specialized outcome measures. The incumbent exercises originality in solving problems not covered by this guide, makes innovative adaptations of the clinical procedures herein to meet the complex and highly varying needs of the general/orthopedic outpatient population and advises all other health care team members and students in this regard.
i. 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.
ii. Performs complex physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-100+ 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.
iii. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication.
iv. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a wide range of routine to complex and specialty interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are routine to complex, and procedures involved require the application of skills and knowledge in the area of orthopedic/general outpatient physical therapy.
Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 0800-1630
Telework: Available, Ad-Hoc pending Supervisor's approval
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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:
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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 2, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.
GS- 13:Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) (a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and one of the following:
1. Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past two and five years; or
2. Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or
3. Completion of a fellowship program; or
4. An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy.
2. Ability to serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized content area of physical therapy (see paragraph 2i).
3. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
4. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
5. Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area (see Definitions, paragraph 2. i.).
Preferred Experience: An American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS} Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification and/or at least 2 years experience in a Primary Care Physical Therapy setting; Strong knowledge, skills and abilities in the area of differential diagnosis; Ability to work independently without direction from supervisor; History working with the Veteran and/or Solider population.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.
Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; p...
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job is open to
- Federal employees - Excepted service
Current excepted service federal employees. - Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency. - The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. - Veterans
Clarification from the agency
Open to all U.S. Citizens
Videos
Duties
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY
As a PACT Physical Therapist in the SORCC VA, the incumbent serves as a consultant and subject matter expert in orthopedic outpatient physical therapy within the department, VA network, PT profession and the community at large. As a PACT therapist the incumbent is competent is the screening, evaluation and treatment of any veteran referred to the service.
This position requires use for specialty knowledge to maintain the model for providing integrated PT service on a PACT team through direct access to PT and practicing at the top of licensure. This includes providing ongoing provider and interdisciplinary team education on PT scope of practice and training.
The incumbent continues to maintain and learn advanced skills in the area of outpatient orthopedics by attending continuing education courses and training when applicable. This will maintain and advance orthopedic and manual therapy skills needed to perform and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in addition to evaluating treatment outcomes in routine to complex patient presentations.
Functions:
a. Clinical: Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet routine to complex treatment objectives for the orthopedic and general outpatient physical therapy population. The incumbent independently evaluates and assesses patients self-referred through direct patient referral to determine the treatment course to be followed. The incumbent performs specialized tests and measurements of relevant body systems using various methods including specific methods specialized for the orthopedic and general outpatient populations. The incumbent is knowledgeable and independent in medical screening for direct access provision of PT services. The incumbent performs and interprets results of tests and measurements of the patient's condition for use in preparing a treatment plan, modifying a treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment. The individual demonstrates advanced and continuously growing skill in the area of orthopedic and general outpatient patient population evaluation including the use of specialized outcome measures. The incumbent exercises originality in solving problems not covered by this guide, makes innovative adaptations of the clinical procedures herein to meet the complex and highly varying needs of the general/orthopedic outpatient population and advises all other health care team members and students in this regard.
i. 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.
ii. Performs complex physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-100+ 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.
iii. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication.
iv. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a wide range of routine to complex and specialty interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are routine to complex, and procedures involved require the application of skills and knowledge in the area of orthopedic/general outpatient physical therapy.
Work Schedule: Monday -Friday 0800-1630
Telework: Available, Ad-Hoc pending Supervisor's approval
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
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
- 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.
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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 2, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.
GS- 13:Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) (a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and one of the following:
1. Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past two and five years; or
2. Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or
3. Completion of a fellowship program; or
4. An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy.
2. Ability to serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized content area of physical therapy (see paragraph 2i).
3. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
4. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy.
5. Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area (see Definitions, paragraph 2. i.).
Preferred Experience: An American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS} Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification and/or at least 2 years experience in a Primary Care Physical Therapy setting; Strong knowledge, skills and abilities in the area of differential diagnosis; Ability to work independently without direction from supervisor; History working with the Veteran and/or Solider population.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.
Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
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.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; p...
