Physical Therapist

Quick Facts

• Role: Physical Therapist (PM&R)

• Setting: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit and/or Community Living Center; works within a rehabilitation care team

• Focus: Functional mobility, functional outcomes, and patient independence

Description

As a licensed Physical Therapist in PM&R, you will evaluate patients, interpret findings, and develop individualized plans of care to optimize mobility and function. You will assess needs for complex adaptive equipment/assistive devices, fit/instruct patients, and educate Veterans and, when appropriate, family members on safe use. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, document care, and help share improved techniques through in-service programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform full performance level physical therapy evaluations for complex cases using standard and non-standard methods

• Develop treatment plans and measurable goals

• Conduct examinations and evaluations across musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary conditions, accounting for psychosocial/environmental factors

• Interpret test and measurement results and integrate findings into the plan of care

• Establish a PT diagnosis within scope, determine rehabilitation interventions, and refer for further consultation when indicated

• Determine prognosis and set clinically appropriate goals to maximize functional independence

• Measure, fit, and instruct patients in complex adaptive equipment and assistive devices

• Provide education and training to Veterans and family caregivers on safe and effective device use

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare staff; provide clinical updates and discharge-planning information

• Provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants and PT students in clinical affiliations

• Conduct in-service programs and share new or improved techniques with staff

• Maintain appropriate supply levels and submit required statistics and reports

• Work independently across assigned clinics/programs and confer with the supervisor for problem cases and workload/progress updates

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Licensed physical therapist meeting VHA basic requirements (Bachelor’s + 5 years, Master’s + 2 years, or Doctorate in Physical Therapy)

• Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation; pass pre-employment physical evaluation

• Complete VA onboarding and required pre-employment documentation; required participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program

• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959

• For GS-12: valid unrestricted state license and 1 year of experience equivalent to GS-11, with autonomous Direct Access clinical decision-making and ability to provide clinical oversight of PTAs and students

• Preferred: at least 1 year of inpatient rehabilitation experience

Benefits

Eligible federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on the type of position held.