Physical Therapist

Quick Facts

• Role: Physical Therapist (staff physical therapist)
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm
• Work mode: On-site (not virtual)
• Career level: GS-12 full performance level

Description

Provide primary physical therapy services to inpatients and outpatients, delivering independent assessment and treatment interventions based on referrals and self-referrals. Evaluate and treat conditions affecting joint range of motion, strength, balance, gait, posture, skin integrity, sensation, and functional mobility. Develop and implement exercise- and mobility-based plans to optimize outcomes and functional independence.

Responsibilities

• Restore and preserve joint range of motion using mobilization techniques and exercises
• Evaluate muscle length, perform stretching and soft tissue mobilization
• Interpret clinician prescriptions and referrals
• Assess muscle strength and quantify impairments
• Evaluate hypotonicity/hypertonicity and train exercises to normalize motor control
• Train sitting and standing balance, transfers, and mobility (including wheelchair use and ambulation)
• Evaluate gait and needs for lower extremity orthotics/prosthetics
• Assess independence during position changes and provide mobility training
• Provide exercises to improve strength, endurance, and coordination for whole-body muscle groups
• Assess skin integrity and sensation; provide skin care precautions
• Manage edema and musculoskeletal pain using physical measures
• Assess posture and educate/exercise to improve alignment
• Assess wheelchair needs and support wheelchair prescriptions
• Provide routine care including diabetic foot care, wound management, pain management, falls prevention, and orthopedic care
• Assist with training and supervision of professional/technical students; provide lectures/demonstrations
• Maintain appropriate treatment supply inventory levels
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficient written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Hold a full, current, unrestricted physical therapy license in a U.S. state/territory/commonwealth or DC
• Education/experience: Bachelor’s + 5 years independent experience, or Master’s + 2 years, or Doctorate in physical therapy
• Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited college/university (or meet foreign graduate licensing pathway)
• Selectively register for the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
• Complete required onboarding and pre-employment processes
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Successful completion of VA trial period requirements (1–2 years)

Benefits

Comprehensive federal benefits package; eligibility depends on the position type. Benefits are available to you and your family as a federal employee.