Physical Therapist

Quick Facts

• Role: Physical Therapist (independent assessment and treatment)
• Service line: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&RS)
• Patient settings supported: inpatient, outpatient, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), and Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)

Description

Provide assessment and treatment interventions for patients referred to and/or directly accessing Physical Therapy services within a VA PM&RS setting. Develop evidence-based patient education materials and support staff training through in-services and clinical instruction. Maintain timely documentation and coordinate referrals and recommendations for equipment and home modifications to support safe function.

Responsibilities

• Examine and treat patients across a wide scope of ages and diagnoses
• Evaluate condition to determine a treatment plan; interpret findings and integrate into plan of care
• Develop evidence-based patient education content
• Provide in-service and clinical training programs as assigned
• Design, conduct, and evaluate educational experiences (including active participation in Journal Club)
• Maintain timely documentation using care plans and initial assessments/specialty protocols
• Represent Physical Therapy and PM&RS in clinical and administrative meetings/rounds
• Serve as a clinical instructor and role model for students and PT staff
• Perform annual competencies for PM&RS staff as requested
• Assess needs for durable medical equipment and recommend home modifications
• Select appropriate equipment to support mobility, transfers, and home exercise programs
• Make appropriate referrals for evaluations (e.g., mobility clinic, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, MOVE, podiatry, prosthetics)
• Review outside medical records to triage referrals to community care

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Selective Service registration (for males born after 12/31/1959)
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited entry-level physical therapy program
• Full, current, unrestricted state physical therapy licensure (or DC)
• Education/experience pathway: Bachelor’s + 5 years; Master’s + 2 years; or Doctorate in physical therapy
• Subject to background/security investigation and VA onboarding/pre-employment requirements
• Ability to meet physical/drug testing requirements for the position

Benefits

A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on the type of position.