Physical Therapist

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: is the functional description statement of the physical therapist employed to work in the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Physical Therapy program at the Hines VA Hospital. Primary function is direct patient care of acute injuries and outpatients in the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center but this therapist will provide support to other areas of the Hines Physical Therapy Department as required as a flex position with a minimum of 50% dedicated to SCI with the remaining service provided to other areas of the PM&R PT service line of Hines VA.

CLINICAL DUTIES

1. Evaluates and assesses patients as assigned to determine the treatment course to be followed. Performs tests and measurement of muscles nerves (including but not limited to ASIA assessment) range of motion posture strength ambulation circulatory and respiratory status.
2. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize patients functional potential using a myriad of treatment modalities and procedures including but not limited to neuromuscular facilitation muscle re-education electrical stimulation sensory integration techniques positioning application of assistive devices and joint protection techniques to work toward established goals.
3. In coordination with patients and family members develops a treatment regime that includes instruction to patient/family on an in-home program dealing with exercise transfers ambulation skin care and safety precautions; instruction in proper safe use of equipment ordering including patients lifts wheelchairs cushions and other seating devices/products.
4. Documents evaluation goals patient/family education progress and change in treatment or patients condition in medical records accurately timely and includes all elements as per hospital and service policies.
5. Is capable of advanced motivational techniques to obtain participation of patient with complex physical/psychosocial diagnoses.
6. Is responsible for supervising volunteers and therapy assistants giving clinical guidance and training to physical therapy assistants and advance level physical therapy students.
7. Evaluates patients new adaptive aids prosthetic and/or orthotic equipment. Coordinates with prosthetic department on recommendations and appropriate modifications to enhance patient functional capabilities.
8. With changing medical practices the incumbent must routinely consult with staff and resident physicians from all specialties.
9. Develops and initiates treatment programs as new patient types are referred to the physical therapy department.

• 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.
• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as a Physical Therapist in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

English Language Proficiency Requirement- Per VA Handbook 5005 Part II Chapter 3 Section A Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74 to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.

Education Requirement- The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below:

• Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist OR
• Masters degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist OR
• Doctorate degree in physical therapy.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Ability to determine physical therapy prognosis by incorporating examination findings with the patients preferences in order to set clinically appropriate treatment goals optimize outcomes and maximize functional independence.
6. 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.