The incumbent works for the Physical Section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) of the VANJHCS designated as a High Complex Facility. The incumbent is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of four Physical Therapy clinics at three locations in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Service. The Physical Therapy Departments consists of physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, rehabilitation techs, students, and volunteers.
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: (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. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. 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. NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. Loss of Credential. A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation, if qualified, and if a placement opportunity exists. Grade Determinations: GS-14 Physical Therapist (Supervisor, Service Care Line Manager or Service Chief) (a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 1. Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in multiple professional areas. 2. Skill in managing interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution in dealing with a diverse range of employees, discipline lead(s), and administrators. 3. Ability to translate extensive rehabilitation knowledge into local policy development. 4. Ability to effectively supervise staff by providing clinical and administrative oversight. This includes ability to manage resources, evaluate employees and assign work. 5. Ability to collaborate with strategic planning committees at local, VISN or national levels for new ventures addressing patient care delivery systems, facilities management, system reorganizations, etc. (c) Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Supervisory PTs at this level are responsible for the professional and administrative management of an assigned area in a large physical therapy service or a rehabilitation service with multiple therapy related disciplines, including but not limited to the Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Speech & Language Pathology, Recreation Therapy, and Blind Rehabilitation. Supervisors manage staff, maintain effective interdepartmental relations, and cooperate with other services to accomplish the medical facility's mission and goals. He/she develops performance standards, assures the program area is compliant with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements, designs and implements orientation and training programs for staff, and develops and maintains systems to monitor the performance of staff activities. He/she develops local policies and procedures relative to their assigned area. He/she is responsible for determining resource needs, allocating resources, ensuring proper utilization in productivity, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of the operation. He/she formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long term interest of the service or facility, capitalizing on opportunities and managing risks. Individuals at this level would generally be found at a highly complex facility. References: VA Handbook 5005/99 Part II Appendix G12. Physical Therapist Qualification Standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Clinical: Supervises and assigns work to PTs, KTs PT assistants, aides, trainees, and volunteers in the delivery and support of treatment and education of patients and families. Triages all consults to physical therapy for appropriateness and completeness prior to scheduling. Coordinates scheduling for all consults for new patients. Coordinates with other sections and other services in the area of PT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care Serves as a subject matter expert to PT staff and other hospital personnel in evaluating and planning PT treatment. Resolves conflicts that interfere with delivery of PT services. Performs all other duties/activities of a staff PT including evaluation and treatment of patients. Education: Identifies continuing education needs based on performance of PT staff Assists with education of student trainees from multiple schools. Develops and implements educational programs to include patient, family, and professional personnel. Educates other facility personnel in the scope of PT services and programs involving a variety of healthcare specialties. Administrative: Performs a full range of supervisory duties which includes interviewing candidates, recommending appointments, advancements, promotions, and performing alternate dispute resolution and 'disciplinary action when indicated. Organizes and supervises the PT section at three separate locations in New Jersey. Guides and manages clinics in respect to training, work assignments, performance, conduct, and patient welfare. Ensures consults are handled in the most expeditious manner based upon acuity of need and in line with central office mandates on consult management. Develops, plans, and implements and assists in the planning, development, and implementation of various treatment programs for the PM&RS. Develops, plans, and implements monitors of quality of care (QM) with respect to PT services as part of the comprehensive health care services delivered to the patients within the medical center. Makes recommendations for equipment and budgetary needs based upon the needs of the PT section. Assures the cleanliness, maintenance, repairs, and successful operation of all PT equipment, treatment areas, and operational supplies. Actively supports and promotes all programs of PM&RS. Develops and implements policies and procedures for Physical Therapy. Actively involved in preparation and accreditation maintenance of the Physical Therapy department to outside agency requirements such as CARF and The Joint Commission. Performs other related duties as assigned. VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #12581-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required