Physical Therapist

About the role

The Staff Physical Therapist is assigned to the Physical Therapy Section within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC, which is a Complexity Level le facility.

Incumbent has the ability to use professional knowledge effectively and must possess initiative, tact, resourcefulness, and good judgment in exercising authority.

What you will do

• The Staff Physical Therapist is responsible for completing neuromusculoskeletal evaluations and treatments, completing medical record documentation, and providing patient/family education in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• They are required to apply evidence based evaluation methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to patients with a vast array of functional impairments.
• Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Assists Supervisory Therapist, Physical Medicine and Rehab Service (PM&RS) in planning and developing· various treatment programs to meet patient needs, as requested by PM&R Chief.
• Directly supervises the Physical Therapist Assistant {PTA) in clinical duties in the care of patients being treated by the PT's plan of care.
• Actively supports and promotes all programs of PM&RS.
• Assists with orientation of new PM&RS staff.
• Establishes and maintains contact with other health care providers inside and outside the VA network as needed in efforts to provide exceptional patient care (via written, telephone, and personal communication) on a regular basis.
• Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of Physical Therapy care.
• Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Improvement (QI): Assists in the development, planning and implementation of monitors of quality of care with respect to PM&RS as part of the comprehensive health care services delivered to the patients within the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care.
• Conducts record keeping related to patient care documentation and quality improvement (QI) data collection as specified by the Supervisory Therapist.
• Participates in Departmental program development and quality improvement projects to include, but not limited to, chart reviews, committee membership, and process improvement projects.
• Treatment: Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to the physical Therapy Section of the PM&R Service.
• Assesses patient dysfunction using appropriate measures/tests/tools.
• Communicates effectively with other internal and external healthcare providers involved in patient care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis.
• Demonstrates the teaching skills required to provide education to patients, family members, caregivers, employees, students, and coworkers.
• Functions autonomously in providing patient education, specialized treatments, and applying physical therapy procedures for which competency has been established and in accordance with laws or regulations and within the scope of practice outlined by American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) standards.
• Responsible for modifying treatment plans, therapeutic activities and interventions based on the changing needs, goals and performance of the patient.
• Responsible for modifying treatment plans when either the established goals or time frames for achievement of those goals have been attained.
• Documentation: Performs competent written documentation of initial examinations, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Demonstrates advanced competency in knowledge of electronic documentation and computer skills.
• Enters consults within the PM&R Section (i.e., to Occupational or Recreational Therapy) or to the Prosthetics department for durable medical equipment in accordance with PM&R and medical center policies.
• Education Educates other facility personnel in the scope of PM&R Service programs involving a variety of health care specialties.
• Continually seeks to improve knowledge and skill by review of current literature, participation in in-service training, and attendance at continuing education programs.
• Provides continuing education and training to other staff members.
• The focus will be on maintaining and improving competency in all general clinical functions but may also include coursework directed toward the development and improvement of clinical instruction, delivery of patient care, data collection and reporting techniques, and utilization and reporting of outcome measures.
• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00a.m-4:30p.m Telework: Ad-hoc- as determined by the agency Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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

• 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 (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 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.