Physical Therapist

About the role

This position is located in the SCI Therapy Department of the SCI/D Care Line at the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMV AHCS). Position includes services to the outpatient, and in-patient Spinal Cord Injury Clinics. The SCI PT at this grade level practices independently and is responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools.

What you will do

• CLINICAL DUTIES Demonstrates expertise in examining, evaluating, developing, and implementing treatment programs for geriatric adult and adult patients with complex spinal cord injury problems or diseases, and concurrent medical conditions and co-morbidities based on the current evidence and best practices for client management.
• This physical therapist has extensive knowledge, experience and skill in the prescription, fitting, and training in the use of specialty equipment utilized by this patient population.
• This includes assistive technology, mobility devices for gait and wheeled mobility, lifts and lift systems, devices for activities of daily living and other orthotics/prosthetic devices specific to the SCI/D population.
• Ability to perform evaluations and treatment interventions in the therapy pool to improve impairments and functional limitations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of water safety for providing a safe environment.
• The physical therapist provides SCI Home Care physical therapy as needed, through home visits, video to home evaluations/treatments and Clinical Video Telehealth interventions and team meetings.
• Independently uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluating issues in the home environment to identify potential problems and baseline of function.
• Independently develops and implements appropriate treatment plans and goals to increase patient safety and level of independence.
• Determines appropriate home modifications needed to increase patient safety and level of independence.
• Modifications may include recommendations for the installation of ramps, grab bars, widening of door frames, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for wheelchair accessibility, movement of furniture for better room accessibility, and wheelchair modifications.
• Monitors patient's tolerance for therapeutic procedures, including tolerance for prescribed adaptive equipment.
• Recognizes rates of progress, signs of altered physical or mental of patient, or undesired secondary effects of treatment.
• Based on findings from a thorough examination and evaluation, the incumbent plans an effective goal-directed treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the impairment, functional limitation and/or disability of the client being treated.
• Implements the treatment program and modifies it as needed to achieve goals.
• Participates on clinical interdisciplinary teams/clinics to provide direct care, input, and supportive information necessary for optimal outcomes in Veteran care.
• EDUCATIONAL ACTIVIES The clinician enhances their knowledge and skill in SCI/D by participating in continuing professional development.
• Completes all required VA annual mandatory training.
• Attends mandatory in-service training as required by VA, SCI/D Care Line and OT policies and Directives.
• Instructs patients on what is expected of them to achieve the desired treatment objectives and goal.
• Educates family members concerning patient's rehabilitation status, limitations, and prognosis.
• Provides in-services to the SCI staff and other hospital personnel on SCI PT evaluation and treatment procedures.
• Arranges and serves to the SCI staff in-service training programs.
• Participates in the supervision and clinical instruction of PT interns.
• ACCOUNTABILITY Determines objectives and sets priorities.
• Accepts responsibility for mistakes.
• Exhibits VA core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE).
• Notifies supervisor of significant program error, dissatisfaction customer, or an perceived violations of law or official wrongdoing including fraud, waste, abuse of authority, and violations of VA core values.
• Ensures all certifications, licenses, competencies, and training requirements are current with no lapses.
• Assesses compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARP), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and other program review criteria that governs service and ensures requirements are in place and functioning properly.
• SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL Monitors equipment used by the patients to ensure the equipment is functioning maximally and properly calibrated to give accurate measures and ensure patient safety.
• Maintains clinic area and equipment in a safe manner in accordance with safety and infection control policies, Joint Commission and CARF standards, and other relevant regulatory policies.
• Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention, i.e., handwashing, use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), and standard precautions/isolation procedures.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification 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.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

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.

Documents you must provide

• License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) 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) 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.

What to expect next

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.

Additional information

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.