Duties

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY

MAJOR DUTIES:

• The licensed physical therapist is responsible for administering physical therapy programs to adult and geriatric adult patients referred from all areas of the Medical Center, either directly or through the Clinical Director, Rehabilitation Services, or staff Physiatrist.
• Plans and carries out the full range of treatment where therapeutic objectives are complex, and procedures involved require the application of highly specialized skills and knowledge.
• Modifies treatment plans frequently in response to subtle but significant changes in the condition of the patient. The employment of unusual motivational techniques is often necessary to obtain the participation of the patient in their rehabilitation.
• Coordinates and employs several treatment approaches simultaneously to accomplish complex treatment objectives.
• Completes the evaluation and treatment in a timely fashion; chart review will allow an opportunity to assess appropriateness of the referral and possible contraindications for treatment. Evaluations include the medical history and results and interpretation of the appropriate tests and measurements performed.
• Utilizes evaluation date to implement comprehensive patient treatment plans, involving patient in a goal-setting process, if feasible.
• Modifies treatment plan according to evaluative findings on an ongoing basis to meet short and long-term goals.
• Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment of physical therapy and their proper application through which the use of therapeutic physical rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures are implemented. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately.
• Employs unusual motivational techniques to enlist patient participation and adapts equipment and procedures to carry out a full range of complex treatment activities. Involves the patient, family members, caregivers, pertinent health care staff and patient education programs in the treatment and instructional process by maintaining effective communications.
• Communicates readily with the multidisciplinary treatment team, advising the team of patient's needs and progress, exchanging discharge planning information with them.
• Works with a high degree of independence, exercising independent professional judgment in planning and carrying out treatment programs to meet complex treatment objectives.
• Places return to clinic orders for patients' treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinates schedules with other members of the treatment team. Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients and for family conferences.
• Maintains accurate records, attendance, progress, and final disposition, and submits necessary monthly and quarterly information in a timely and accurate manner. Attends and participates in all departmental staff meetings and training sessions. Plans and presents in-service education programs, when requested, to the PT section, PM&R staff, and other services, as appropriate.
• Maintains the care, upkeep, and sanitation of equipment used and may perform the regular duties of a higher-level therapist in their absence.
• Performs as a Student Clinical Training Supervisor, which includes planning, scheduling, coordinating, evaluating, and implementing the student affiliation program.
• Works independently and responsible for the inpatient physical therapy programs and clinics and confers with the supervisor at periodic intervals informing of problem cases, workload, and progress reports.

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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  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.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • License
  • VA Form 10-2850c, Application for Associated Health Occupations
  • Resume

  • Resume. For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. You will be rated ineligible if the resume is not received.
  • VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs. This is a required form and must be submitted at the time of application. Applicants who fail to submit will be rated ineligible for consideration. Additionally, applicants who fail to provide a complete and detailed explanation in response to any question (28-37) in which your answer is "Yes" will also be rated ineligible for consideration. This response should be provided on a separate sheet of paper as instructed on the form.
  • On-line responses to the questionnaire.
  • Copy of transcripts (unofficial is sufficient).
  • Copy of latest (non-award) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, to document status as a current, permanent Federal employee at an agency other than the VA (if applicable).
  • Any other documents required by the checklist below.

  NOTES:

  • Please do not mail or e-mail application material. Apply on-line or via the instructions contained in the "Additional Information" section of the announcement.
  • If you require a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact the Senior Strategic Business Partner at 803-776-4000 ext. 56520.

  Applicants who fail to submit sufficient documentation to support that all qualification requirements have been met will be rated ineligible for consideration.
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • VA Form 10-2850c, Application for Associated Health Occupations
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/30/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11959447.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Karen Hayes

  Phone

  214-885-1738

  Email

  karen.hayes1@va.gov

  Address

  Columbia VA Health Care System
  6439 Garners Ferry Road
  Columbia, SC 29209
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

US Citizens and other current, permanent Federal employees of other agencies. Veterans' preference does not apply for other current permanent Federal agency employees as long as they are listed as part of the area of consideration. Current, permanent employees of the Veterans Health Administration are encouraged to apply to CBTB-11959448-23-KLH.