Physical Therapist

Qualifications

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.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• Master's Degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy
• Foreign Graduates - Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a current - full - active - and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State - Territory or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia

Licensure

• You must hold a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or the District of Columbia

GS-12 Grade Determinations

• In addition to the basic requirements listed above - candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level and hold a valid unrestricted state license

Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA)

• Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment
• 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

• Experience in outpatient physical therapy setting treating musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions

Physical Requirements

• Sitting - standing - light lifting (up to 20 lbs.)

Major Duties

• Evaluates - plans treatment program on an individual basis for patients referred with levels of function ranging from simple to the most complex
• Utilizes standard and non-standard methods - based on contemporary and evidenced based physical therapy (PT) practice - particularly as related to orthopedic/neurologic patients
• Established treatment procedures are not always applicable and - at times - must be substantially adapted and applied with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill - or who have a combination of severe mental or physical disabilities with secondary complications
• Treatment plans require frequent modification in response to subtle but significant changes in the condition of the patient
• The employment of unusual and innovative treatment techniques is often necessary to obtain the best medical/surgical outcome
• Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients and for mentoring and consultation
• Evaluations include a medical history and results and interpretation of the appropriate tests and measurements performed
• Tests are frequently complex and may need to be adapted because of multiple physical and emotional disabilities or present orthopedic/neurologic conditions
• Absesses patient's learning needs - and plans and implements appropriate patient education programs - involving the patient - family - and significant others in the instructional process
• Provides instruction to patient and family as appropriate to their roles and level of understanding
• Exercises originality in solving problems not covered by these guides - making innovative adaptations and modifications of treatment plans and procedures in order to meet the varying needs of patients
• Responsible for the care - upkeep - and sanitation of equipment used
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30 AM-4:00 PM
• Telework: Ad-Hoc as determined by the agency policy
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #: 71585-F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized