Summary

This position is in the Physical Therapy Department within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The Inpatient Physical Therapy Program Coordinator who works at this level provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care and services provided by PM&RS. S/he is expected to carry out general duty assignments but primarily serves as subject matter expert in Inpatient Physical Therapy.

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.

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States
• Education
• Candidates must have: A bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• OR A master's in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• OR A doctorate degree in physical therapy
• 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
• Foreign Graduates
• Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the above requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State - Territory or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non- 4 profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction - foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US
• The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy
• FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services
• The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool
• Licensure
• Applicants 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
• Note: 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: Preferred Experience: 5 plus years of clinical experience - inclusive of 2 or more years of clinical leadership experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13
• Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job - considering their physical - mental - and emotional capacities - without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers.

Duties

• 30 Day Hiring ModelThe Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection
• This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination - faster assessments - and efficient pre-employment actions
• Applicants can expect a more transparent - predictable - and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.What Applicants Can Expect Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes - Human Resources will quickly review applications - issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration
• Quick Interviews & References HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager
• Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer - applicants should be prepared to complete required steps - such as fingerprinting and background check - credentialing - and medical examination within 3 days of the offer
• Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones - including referral - tentative offer - and onboarding instructions
• After meeting pre-employment requirements - candidates will receive a final job offer and start date
• Onboarding tasks may continue after starting - with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service
• If selected - applicants should be prepared to come on board within 30 days of the announcement closing
• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY The Inpatient Physical Therapy Program Coordinator is responsible for managing the Phoenix VA Medical Center Inpatient - Community Living Center - and Home-Based Primary Care Physical Therapy programs in collaboration with the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor
• Provides program coordination of Inpatient Physical Therapy clinical and training programs
• Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures to address focused clinical needs and the overall services delivered and provided within the section
• Performs physical therapy evaluation and treatments - male and female - ages ranging from adult to geriatric - having a variety of disabilities
• These cases may be complex in nature with chronic and acute disease entities including but not limited to central nervous system disorders - joint diseases - circulatory and pulmonary diseases - diabetes mellitus - altered thought processes and multisystem disease combinations
• Ability to determine the most appropriate plan of care relative to the patient's diagnosis - age - developmental level and cultural needs
• Skills were obtained through formal education and are maintained by continuing education
• Manages the Inpatient Physical Therapy program in collaboration with the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor
• Establishes an Inpatient Physical Therapy clinical vision and strategic plan in collaboration with the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor
• Develops and implements physical therapy patient education content - based on the most current evidence-based practice
• Provides in-service and clinical training programs as assigned by the Physical Therapy Section Supervisor
• Work Schedule: Full-Time - Tour to be determined Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized