Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Summary

The GS-13 Physical Therapist is assigned to provide professional Physical Therapy services to any/all program areas that are covered by the Rehabilitation Services, including acute care, rehabilitation, long term care, home care, inpatient and outpatient settings. Incumbent is a treatment specialist in Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Duties

Serves as a consultant for all health care providers regarding Orthopedic Physical Therapy and rehabilitation. Educates/orients students, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding PT in general and specifically, as it relates to Orthopedic mgmt. Mentors therapy staff. Reviews and updates Orthopedic protocols, policy, and program at the VASTLHCS. Provides evaluations and treatments that are in alignment with up-to-date clinical practice guidelines and treatment for Orthopedic care that are evidence based. Plans, implements, and reports on performance improvement activities related to Physical Therapy services. Serves as subject matter expert (SME) for Orthopedic modalities and equipment, as it relates to Orthopedic mgmt. Collaborates with local, and regional universities, in the area of Orthopedic PT rehabilitation. Performs complex Physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 20-85+ years old. Utilizes standardized, and non-standardized assessments, and compiles overall Occupational Health Information, concerning patient's social, physical, psychological and vocation status to determine a patient-centric treatment plan, based on current PT theory, research and practice. Plans and carries out the full range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex, and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge in the area of Orthopedic . PT. Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill, or who have a combination of severe mental/emotional or physical disabilities. Treatment will be provided on the ward, in the facility and in the community as appropriate for the patient's needs. These skills and interventions will be based on current occupational therapy theory, research, and practice. Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and can make modifications as necessary. Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of this complex patient population. Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the occupational therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility. Maintains a flexibility of schedule to allow for unscheduled patients, patient/team consultation and mentoring. Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT practice, facility and Rehabilitation Service policies and procedures. Assists in the care of patients other than those of the specialized area Orthopedic rehab as caseload permits, or as the needs of the department dictate. Maintains a workload and productivity consistent with the standards established by the Physical Therapy Section and the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Fosters an environment that supports hope, be committed to eliminating barriers to the recovery, utilize ICARE values in the recovery process.\ Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for Physical Therapy students. Attends PM&RS in-services as well as hospital-wide in-services. Attends and completes mandatory in-service training as required by VA, PM&R, and PT policies. Provides necessary guidance, direction, and supervision to occupational therapy students, volunteers, and/or CWT workers assigned to the PM&R clinic. Specialist that participates as a PT Residency Mentor or Coordinator will work with the PT Residency Director and PT Supervisor and are required to maintain VA and ABPTFRE guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for over-seeing the day-to day operation of the clinic area to which assigned. Compiles and submits statistical data, reports and quality assurance findings to document program effectiveness, caseload, and attendance. Assists in the maintenance of the clinic and exhibits good safety practices following proper safety policies and procedures per VA, Joint Commission, CARF, OSHA, etc. for infection control, equipment etc. Participates in quality assurance projects and completes reports as required on patient treatment. Participates in quarterly occupational therapy peer review process. Participates in or coordinates program development for special programs Aware of safety concerns, regulations, policies, and procedures, and employs appropriate safety practices. Attends/participates IDT, as an active PT member of the Orthopedic team. Maintains adequate supplies, materials, and equipment for anticipated treatment needs, in line with budget. Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday rotating holidays - Saturday is Acute care Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

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 (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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 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. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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 11/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13113215. 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.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) 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. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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 Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.