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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language Proficiency
• Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English
• See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a
• 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
• Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist
• Doctorate degree in physical therapy 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)
• 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-13 Physical Therapist (Program Coordinator) Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to apply advanced knowledge of contemporary physical therapy within specialty area to provide clinical guidance, training or education for internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to serve as a consultant within the assigned program area for intra-agency and interagency planning and to provide service coordination to optimize program continuity, efficiency and effectiveness
• Knowledge of and skill in management, administration and/or education methodologies
• This includes the ability to monitor and track data, utilize available resources effectively, evaluate program quality, and generate reports for local, and/or VISN and/or VACO leadership
• Ability to develop and coordinate treatment and/or educational programs within a concentrated field or specialty area, such as, but not limited to, amputee, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, student clinical education/residency programming, polytrauma/traumatic brain injury
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships within department and with other departments or affiliated programs
• Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team
• Preferred Experience: Acute Care/ acute Inpatient Rehabilitation 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: Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach frequently throughout the workday
• Strength and endurance: To lift and support patients, especially during transfers or exercises
• Visual acuity: Clear vision to assess client needs and observe movements
• Auditory perception: Ability to understand verbal instructions and client communication
• Cognitive abilities: Quick decision-making, problem-solving, and adaptability to different situations
• Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.