Address
Form of work
SalaryDuties
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY
Clinical Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary physical therapy across multiple areas of practice. Provides guidance to staff therapists in applying current knowledge to the outpatient setting.
- Regularly reviews OPC PT programs to assure current methodology is incorporated in all clinics.
- Demonstrates ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment with consideration for local Scope of Practice guidelines.
- Reviews and screens patient's medical record for appropriateness of PT intervention, noting any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and to assist in guiding the evaluation process. Screens patients for readiness to begin PT.
- Performs comprehensive evaluations and examinations of patients who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary and/or integumentary systems.
- Interprets findings, selects appropriate tests and measures, and integrates findings into the PT plan of care.
- Establishes a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identifies the appropriate rehabilitation intervention.
- Determines PT prognosis by incorporating examination findings with patient's preference in setting clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence.
- Addresses rehabilitation potential, learning needs and patient response to education. Identifies barriers to learning and strategies to overcome them.
- Performs the full range of PT treatment procedures, modifying the treatment according to the patient's response to PT intervention.
- Recognizes adverse reactions to treatment and initiates immediate action.
- Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to best meet established goals. Documents progression and/or modifications according to Departmental and Medical Center Standards.
- Regularly discusses with physicians and other team members patient performance in PT, current status, and continuing goals. Works effectively with treatment team members and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care.
- Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharge planning in concert with the multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Assesses patient for appropriate Durable Medical Equipment.
- Provides Physical Therapy care and consultation in the more complex cases and carries case load.
- Attends continuing education courses, conferences and in-services in the professional community and within the VA.
- Provides continuing education in the form of in-services and clinical training programs to rehabilitation staff on the subject matter of persistent pain management.
- Develops and/or maintains training programs to further advance the clinical knowledge and skills of primary, secondary and tertiary level Physical Therapists and physical therapy assistants.
- Works autonomously in effectively supervising, directing and assigning work to OPC Physical Therapy Staff as well as providing general oversight to PT trainees and volunteers. Provides supervision of all clinical programs.
- Demonstrates knowledge of VHA human resource administration by performing the following functions: recruitment, interview and selection process, performance management including disciplinary actions, and monitoring clinical privileges.
- Develops and updates functional statements for positions under supervision.
- Develops and updates performance standards.
- Manages leave requests and ensures adequate clinic coverage. Signs timecards.
- Recommends and assists with the planning of new physical therapy programs and clinics.
- Develops and implements policies and procedures.
- Monitors departmental workload and clinic volume and generates reports to support current staffing levels and new staff requests.
- Assumes responsibility for all aspects of outpatient clinic management.
- Submits work orders for equipment repair, requests for replacement or new equipment, and clinic supplies.
- Resolves conflicts that interfere with the delivery of Physical Therapy services.
- Holds regular staff meetings with assigned staff and attends PT Section meetings.
- Carries out other job-related activities and special assignments.
- Participates in PT quality improvement (QI) program by monitoring aspects of patient care and chart reviews.
- Submits budget requests and manages control point fund.
- Requests and manages registry contracts and assists contracting department.
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
- 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:
- 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.
- 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. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of Physical Therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool.
- 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.
- Grandfathering Provision. Does not apply to positions above the full performance level.
- Physical Requirements. You will undergo a pre-employment physical.
- English Language Proficiency:Physical Therapists appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Creditable Experience
Knowledge of Contemporary Professional Physical Therapy Practice. To be creditable, a candidate must have demonstrated possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the scope of physical therapy practice. The candidate's experience may be evidenced by one or more of the following:
- Active professional practice. Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional PT as defined by APTA or the appropriate licensing board. Experience gained after graduation but prior to licensure is creditable provided the candidate was utilized as a graduate PT and subsequently passed the licensure examination.
- Completion of a post-graduate fellowship or a post-graduate residency program may be substituted for creditable experience on a year for year basis.
Grade Determination. 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 (Supervisory)
Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level is required. Experience includes monitoring and assigning work; providing input on work performance; resolving daily workplace issues and maintaining efficient workflow; demonstrating advanced practice skills and judgment across many areas of physical therapy; providing clinical practice guidance to other staff; determining treatment options for complex patients with multiple conditions; ensuring work is completed by distributing and balancing workload among employees; assuring timely accomplishment of the assigned workload; and assessing the status, quality and progress of work.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following following KSAs:
- Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to provide clinical guidance to Staff PTs within the department.
- Knowledge of human resources administration, including such functions as the ability to interview and select qualified applicants, monitor and evaluate performance, and maintain effective labor management relations within scope of responsibility.
- Ability to effectively supervise, direct, and manage a diverse physical therapy staff.
- Skill in forging positive interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution.
- Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within the section.
- Ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, and solve problems in order to meet multiple deadlines and identify/address organizational problems.
- Ability to manage advocacy roles and planning activities within the VA and the greater rehabilitation community.
Physical Demands: The onsite works involves standing and walking for about 70-80% of a normal workday. In addition, the Physical Therapist must be able to squat, kneel, push and pull, and lift loads from the ground and from above shoulder height. The physical demand level as defined by the Department of Labor is 'Medium' requiring the occasional lifting of 20-50 lbs, the frequent lifting of 10-25 lbs and the constant lifting of 10 lbs during the normal workday.
Physical Therapy requires manual dexterity and coordination to use modalities such as TENS units, and to demonstrate the use of mobility equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs. In addition, Physical Therapists must be able to modify such equipment using tools.The telework component is sedentary in nature and will require the ability to remain stationery for long periods of time as well as set up, use/manipulate computer equipment and related accessories at an alternate work site.
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
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; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume - Must include the following information for each job listed:
- 1. Job title
- 2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- 3. Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019)
- 4. Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week)
- 5. Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the occupation and grade at which you qualify. Descriptions of duties must be sufficiently detailed to document the level of experience. If the position was/is with the Federal government, either military or civilian, state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion)
- License - 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.
- Transcript - to support your education.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Misc. Document
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Enrollment
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
- Resume - Must include the following information for each job listed:
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12289203.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Agency contact information
Marisella Souza
Phone
925-356-4088
Email
MARISELLA.SOUZA@VA.GOV
Address
VA Northern California Health Care System
10535 Hospital Way
Mather, CA 95655
USNext steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume - Must include the following information for each job listed:
- 1. Job title
- 2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- 3. Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019)
- 4. Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week)
- 5. Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the occupation and grade at which you qualify. Descriptions of duties must be sufficiently detailed to document the level of experience. If the position was/is with the Federal government, either military or civilian, state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion)
- License - 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.
- Transcript - to support your education.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Misc. Document
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Proof of Enrollment
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Open to US Citizens
