Summary 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. Responsibilities Administrative (minimum of 25% to 50% time dedicated to performing higher level duties listed below) Works autonomously in effectively supervising, directing and assigning work to CBOC Physical Therapy Staff as well as providing general oversight to PT trainees and volunteers. Provides supervision of all clinical programs, and overall technical oversight of CBOC PT employees. Displays knowledge of contemporary physical therapy across multiple settings including inpatient, outpatient, home care and skilled nursing homes. Coordinates delivery of care across these practice settings. 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. Assigns performance ratings as part of annual performance assessment cycle. Manages leave requests and ensures adequate clinic coverage. Signs timecards in VATAS. Makes recommendations and assists with planning of new physical therapy programs and clinics including space, staffing and equipment needs. Develops and implements policies and procedures to meet the needs of CBOC PT programs. Monitors departmental workload and clinic volume and generates reports to support current staffing levels and new staff requests. Displays competence in generating and evaluating VSSC reports. Optimizes access to CBOC PT services. Analyzes clinically appropriate data to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within assigned area. Clinical 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 CBOC 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. This includes the ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services. 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. Evaluations are conducted independently, and results are documented according to departmental and Medical Center standards. 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, including referral to another provider for further consultation. 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. VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Work Schedule: 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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- 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G12. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: This works involves standing and walking for about 50% of a normal work day. In addition, the Supervisory 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 20-50lbs, the frequent lifting of 10-25lbs and the constant lifting of 10lbs during the normal workday. Physical Therapy requires manual dexterity and coordination to use modalities such as ultrasound and 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 including screwdrivers and wrenches. 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.