PLEASE READ THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE BEGINNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO ENSURE YOU SUBMIT ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. This Announcement will be used to fill a Physical Therapist, GS-0633-11/12 position in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Montana VA HCS, located at the Miles City, MT. Consideration 1st goes to current, permanent employees of Veterans Administration, then to current, permanent employees of other Federal Agencies, then to all US Citizens. 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. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned. Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. OR Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees (eliminating the baccalaureate degree). Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. Licensure. Individuals hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-11 Physical Therapist (Entry) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. (NOTE: See exception to licensure requirement above.) GS-12 Physical Therapist (Full Performance Level) Education, Experience and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, hold a valid unrestricted state license, and demonstrate all the KSAs below: Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Ability to coordinate workflow and clinical activities as well as monitor data reports within physical therapy section to ensure optimal patient care. Ability to articulate and communicate to the clinical team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, and objectives, as well as to advise on work methods, practices and procedures. Ability to provide new staff orientation, staff development, and training. Demonstrates advanced skill to serve as mentor and coach of the clinical team. Ability to manage staffing requirements and priorities, and coordinate work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrating an understanding of the impact of incomplete work. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/99 PART II APPENDIX G12 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Ability to spend approximately 75% of working day ambulating and standing. Ability to frequently lift 60 pounds of force. Ability to safely transfer patients and/or equipment using proper body mechanics (pushing, pulling, and lifting strategies). Ability to use the computer system. ["This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more\nVA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Principle Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:\nEvaluates and determines extent of disability and present level of functioning.\nCompletes assessment to evaluate and determine extent of disability or delay for their impacts on motor and or sensory function.\nDemonstrates proficient use of basic standardized testing equipment and tools.\nPerforms and documents pertinent evaluation results, including client and/or family interview, observation, objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings, within time frames consistent with care settings or department policy.\nAssesses and incorporates methods to address individual's physical, cognitive, learning needs, social economic and psychosocial limitations. Assessment includes pain issues as appropriate.\nChooses appropriate evaluation tools that are consistent with client diagnosis, history, and subjective complaints.\nIdentifies signs and symptoms that substantially impact treatments and outcomes and takes appropriate action.\nRefers customers appropriately if the diagnosis is outside scope of expertise.\nInvestigates living environment, where and when appropriate, for safety hazards and necessary modifications by discussion with appropriate caregiver or client.\nDevelops a written plan of care prior to therapy treatments to include physical, psychosocial, environment and educational needs as they relate to therapy. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.\nAdapts activity and/or equipment application according to customer's goals, tolerance, progress toward desired therapeutic outcome, and/or equipment function.\nPeriodically re-evaluates and modifies treatment plan and goals as indicated based on customer's medical status, response to treatment and anticipated therapeutic outcome(s).\nInvolves customer/family and interdisciplinary team in treatment planning, maintains daily Progress Notes on the customer's treatment, and completes re-certifications/assessments as per treatment plan. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 51800-A & 51801-A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be offered to HIGHLY QUALIFIED applicants\nEDRP Authorized: Contact HR regarding the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): May be authorized for HIGHLY QUALIFIED applicants\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]