A PT (Program Coordinator) with VA leads & manages admin, clinical, & training programs within outpatient and inpatient/ED PT, ensuring compliance with VA policies & optimizing clinic operations & veteran care. This role typically involves a significant clinical caseload, providing direct patient care, implementing evidence-based practices, & coordinating various specialty clinics while also mentoring staff & collaborating with other healthcare providers to achieve functional goals for veterans.
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. 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. 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. Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. 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. Grade Determinations: GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Program Coordinator) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and one of the following: Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past two and five years; or Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS; or Completion of a fellowship program; or An additional advanced degree in a related field. 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: Given the probability of patient treatment, the work requires above-average agility and dexterity, heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; use of fingers, both hands required; reaching above shoulder; walking (8 hours); standing (8 hours); both legs required (1 prosthetic); far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted), and mental and emotional stability.
Duties: Major Duties Include, but are not limited to: Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy in ED, PACT and PMRS settings. Performs routine physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-85+ years old. Stage of life is considered and used to modify evaluation and treatment based on the needs of the individual. Assessment of the patient's learning needs is performed and patient education is tailored to meet those needs involving the patient, family and significant others in the process as appropriate. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication. Shares advanced skill and knowledge through mentoring new and existing staff in the area of Emergency Department and Direct Access physical therapy. Teaches and mentors other VHA physical therapy staff in the area of Direct Access and ED PT. Provides regular ED and other medical/surgical team educational offerings regarding Physical Therapy services through regularly scheduled meetings. Completes educational activities and competencies to maintain state licensure and any additional certification(s) as required by the certifying/licensing agency and the VA. Provide supervision for physical therapy assistants as prescribed by state and federal regulations. Represents outpatient physical therapy in the development of policies and procedures, quality assurance monitors and related standards of care. Attend educational and development meetings for PMRS, Physical Therapy Department and ED teams. Aware of and adheres to the department/service/facility's values, mission, rules, policies and procedures and the American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Practice and Standards of Ethics to ensure quality patient care. Mentoring rehabilitation therapists, residents, physicians and students in reviewing Direct Access. Educates other DVAHCS personnel providers in the scope of services and programs involving a variety of health care specialties. Work Schedule: 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M., Monday-Friday Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required