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. 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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and experience. Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR Doctorate degree in physical therapy. OR Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements 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 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. 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. 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. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-11 Physical Therapist Education, Experience, and Licensure. Nothing beyond the basic requirements. GS-12 Physical Therapist In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must posses one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, hold a valid unrestricted state license and demonstrate all the KSAs below: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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: 3-5 years of Physical Therapy experience in an outpatient setting. References: VA Handbook 5005/99 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 in the range of GS-11 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); straight pulling (up to 4 hours); pushing (up to 4 hours); reaching over shoulder; use of fingers (both hands required); walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); repeated bending (up to 8 hours); both legs required. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Specific visual requirements; read typed chapters; correctable vision (20/40 in one eye). Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing (aid permitted). The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders; emotional and mental stability. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities bases on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. ["Provides Physical Therapy for patients with physical and/or functional disabilities limiting independence in self-care and living skills. Independently plans, develops, and implements Physical Therapy treatment using clinical judgement to modify the treatment as a result of changing medical conditions. Evaluates and treats patients with multiple medical problems involving physical, psychosocial, and cognitive disabilities. Evaluates and treats patients appropriate to diagnosis and age. Measures, fits, and instructs patients for the use of complex adaptive equipment, assistive devices, functional mobility aids, and splints/braces. Assist multidisciplinary medical teams in coordinating patient care. Collaborates with other care providers including Physicians, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational, Speech, and Recreation Therapists as appropriate to provide comprehensive therapy treatment. Communicates care plans to patients, caregivers, and medical providers. Utilizes Physical Therapy assistants, aides, students, and volunteers to implement Physical Therapy services as appropriate. Assists in policy and procedure development. Assists in development of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement projects. Serves on local, regional, and national VA committees and teams as assigned. Maintains appropriate supply inventory levels and clinical maintenance for the Physical Therapy Clinic. Educates other health professionals and their trainees on the role of Physical Therapy Services. Provides in-service and clinical training programs to other staff. Protects patient's privacy, identity, and medical information in accordance with applicable Veterans Administration rules, policies, and guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53488-O, 83489-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Linda.Orchard@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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