Physical Therapist

Summary

The North Florida/South Georgia VA Healthcare System's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Physical Therapist. Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards - as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. You must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center.

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.

• 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:
  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
• NOTE:
  
  Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree
• In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate - master's - and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs
• Effective 2002 – CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in postbaccalaureate degrees (eliminating the baccalaureate degree)
• Effective 2015 – professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students
• 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) a.orgMay qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• 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
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  In addition to the basic requirements for appointment the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates
• GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level):
  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:
  Demonstrated Knowledge
  
  Skills and Abilities:
  
  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
• Skill in performing examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or may develop impairments – activity limitations – and participation restrictions related to conditions…