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The Physical Therapist has responsibility for planning and directing patient-specific physical therapy programs in Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Service Care Line for patients of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 .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. 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. 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:GS-11 Physical Therapist (Entry Level) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Grade Determinations:GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level) 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: 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: 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. References: Physical Therapist VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12 dated February 7, 2018. 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 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling 30 mins; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; both hands required; walking, standing, (8hrs), kneeling (1hr); repeated bending 4 hr; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Specific visual requirement (DVA correctable to 20/40); both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental/emotional/cognitive stability; ability to perform privileges independently and perform exams as appropriate ["Staff Physical Therapists at the full performance level are responsible for providing assessment of patients and treatment interventions. PTs are assigned to all program areas which are covered by Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Service and provide professional, independent physical therapy services in the assigned area. Individuals perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis as assigned by SCI/D Service Chief and/or SCI/D Therapy Supervisor. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Assigns, manages and evaluates work of subordinate staff. Upon referral from a physician, evaluates patients in complex cases to determine functional status, identifies and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Independently plans and develops comprehensive programs to meet patients' needs within specialty program. Reviews physical therapy documentation of initial findings, treatment goals estimated length of treatment, eq recommendations, interim progress and discharge summary in patients' medical records. Communicates effectively with physical therapy and medical center staff. Works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care. Participates in conferences and assigned medical meetings including but not limited to SCI/D programs, CARF reaccreditation and/or SCI/D performance improvement and/or clinical projects. Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment in the SCI/D Physical Therapy Clinic. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 9/11/23. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 EDRP Authorized: Yes, contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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