Physical Therapist Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders Program ( SCI/D)
- Veterans are scheduled for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members.
- Guided by differential (screen for systemic diseases and medical conditions that can mimic neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems) and movement (examine and evaluate the movement system -including diagnosis and prognosis- to provide a customized and integrated plan of care to achieve the SCI Veteran individual goal-directed outcomes) diagnoses.
- Perform examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors.
- Select appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function of individuals they treat. This includes assistive technology, mobility devices for gait and lift systems, devices for activities of daily living and other orthotic/prosthetic devices specific to the SCI population.
- PTs at this level practice and demonstrate full understanding of therapy techniques and can autonomously make recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care.
- Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals, timeliness for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or stakeholder input.
- Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to treatment and towards meeting established goals. Documents treatment progression and/or modifications accordingly.
- Demonstrates a full professional understanding of selective therapeutic techniques and modalities related to disability being treated. May serve as a resource to other, less experience therapists.
- Collaborates with nursing and the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team to facilitate the operation of the ward/unit/clinic to meet common goals. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, rounds, family conferences and other meetings as needed. As a member of the treatment team, maintains a working relationship with medical and allied health care providers.
- Documents patient care services timely within 24 hours. Documents care rendered in CPRS, completes encounter, FIM, MDS and other outcomes in accordance with PM&R, GEC, CMS and VANTHCS policies.
- Assist to receive and triage patient referrals/consults, patient self-referrals and adheres to consult compliance established guidelines and is knowledgeable of admission criteria for each program (inpatient/outpatient) for appropriate continuum of care placement.
- Manages and coordinates schedules and programs determined by patient caseload. Adapts schedules to meet unscheduled treatments when situation arises.
- Understand and adheres to department and facility procedures.
- Manages resources (time, materials, staff) in a cost- effective manner.
- Identifies, collects and analyzes appropriate patient care information to provide a data base to develop performance evaluation system(s) and Process Improvement projects related to SCI/D and other clinical settings.
- Ensures patient privacy and confidentiality by following established policies and procedures (Privacy Act, Release of Information, HIPPA, etc).
- Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with patients and members of the organization.
- Identifies learning activities for self and others. Participates and contributes to the advancements of knowledge and techniques related to SCI/D management and physical therapy via in-services, mentorship projects. Conducts in-services for interdisciplinary team and other rehabilitation programs.
- Maintains current concepts and trends in Physical Therapy and evidence based medicine/rehabilitation practices through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance to continuing education courses, conferences and in-services.
- Participates in orientation and/or training to residents, volunteers, students, visitors, etc. to the purpose and functions/roles of Physical Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury programs.
Work Schedule: 8:30am-5:00pm; PRN weekends and Holiday coverage
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. 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:
- Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (Or)
- Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (OR),
- Doctorate degree in physical therapy.
Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
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.
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.
Grade Determinations:
GS-11 Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements
.Assignment. PTs at this level are responsible for providing assessment and treatment intervention. PTs plan and modify treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition. PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any physical therapy program area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required or may serve as the sole PT such as in an outpatient clinic. Licensed PTs may provide oversight and delegate patient care responsibilities to a Physical Therapist Assistant, and/or delegate non-patient care duties to non-licensed staff. PTs that are not licensed must practice under the close supervision of a licensed PT.
GS-12 Education, Experience and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, hold a valid unrestricted state license and demonstrate all the KSAs below:
- Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services.
- Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors.
- Ability to interpret findings from examination and evaluation, select appropriate test and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations.
- Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated.
- Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence.
- Ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs.
Preferred Experience:
- 1-2 years' experience with neuro population
- Experience with adaptive sports, wheelchair, and adaptive equipment
- Experience performing comprehensive evaluations and assessment involving muscular strength and mobility
- Therapeutic experience with adults and older adult population
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .
The doctoral degree must be fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) , the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) , or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) , the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the American Psychological Association (APA) , the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Additional information
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Should have the ability to perform repetitive physical activities: typing/keyboarding (up to 4 hours); walking and standing (up to 4 hours); bending/stooping (up to 6 hours); kneeling, reaching, moderate to heavy lifting (35 pounds) and carrying (up to 2 hours); etc. Sitting is required for meetings, administrative work and occasionally driving motor vehicle most of the day. Use of fingers and both hands and ability to drive are required. Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity. Work is performed in the clinics, exercise areas, wards, office and conference rooms. May be exposed to infectious diseases, medical and psychiatric emergencies.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. 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:
- Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (Or)
- Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (OR),
- Doctorate degree in physical therapy.
Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
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.
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.
Grade Determinations:
GS-11 Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements
.Assignment. PTs at this level are responsible for providing assessment and treatment intervention. PTs plan and modify treatment based on a patient's response to intervention and/or change in medical condition. PTs at this level may be given general assignments in any physical therapy program area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required or may serve as the sole PT such as in an outpatient clinic. Licensed PTs may provide oversight and delegate patient care responsibilities to a Physical Therapist Assistant, and/or delegate non-patient care duties to non-licensed staff. PTs that are not licensed must practice under the close supervision of a licensed PT.
GS-12 Education, Experience and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, hold a valid unrestricted state license and demonstrate all the KSAs below:
- Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek physical therapy services.
- Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors.
- Ability to interpret findings from examination and evaluation, select appropriate test and measures, and integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations.
- Ability to establish a diagnosis within the scope of physical therapy and identify the appropriate rehabilitation intervention, including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated.
- Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patient's preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals, optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence.
- Ability to independently provide clinical oversight of Physical Therapy Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT Programs or PTA Programs.
Preferred Experience:
- 1-2 years' experience with neuro population
- Experience with adaptive sports, wheelchair, and adaptive equipment
- Experience performing comprehensive evaluations and assessment involving muscular strength and mobility
- Therapeutic experience with adults and older adult population
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .
The doctoral degree must be fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) , the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) , or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) , the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the American Psychological Association (APA) , the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Additional information
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Should have the ability to perform repetitive physical activities: typing/keyboarding (up to 4 hours); walking and standing (up to 4 hours); bending/stooping (up to 6 hours); kneeling, reaching, moderate to heavy lifting (35 pounds) and carrying (up to 2 hours); etc. Sitting is required for meetings, administrative work and occasionally driving motor vehicle most of the day. Use of fingers and both hands and ability to drive are required. Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity. Work is performed in the clinics, exercise areas, wards, office and conference rooms. May be exposed to infectious diseases, medical and psychiatric emergencies.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .