Physical Therapist

Located in the Physical Therapy Department, VA Augusta Health Care System, this position serves as a Staff Physical Therapist primarily in Acute Care, with assignment to other areas as needed. The incumbent provides advanced, independent evaluation and treatment of acutely ill, medically complex Veterans, applying specialized clinical skills to promote safe mobility and recovery.

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Major duties include, but are not limited to: Independently provides assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals. Demonstrates a current understanding of the theories of physical therapy treatment and their proper application. Proficient in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans for adult patients. Evaluation and treatment are completed in a timely fashion; chart review will allow the opportunity to assess appropriateness of the referral. Consults are scheduled considering priority and frequency of care. Utilizes evaluation data to plan and implement comprehensive patient treatment, involving patient in the goals setting and treatment processes as feasible. Modifies treatment plan according to evaluative findings to meet short- and long-term goals. Responsible for the application of behavioral strategies to recognize and address fear avoidance presentations, as well as for adapting physical therapy approaches to patients presenting with a combination of severe mental and physical disabilities. Involves the patient, family, significant others, and pertinent health care staff in the treatment process by ongoing communication through demonstration, instruction, team conferences, and chart documentation as appropriate to each patient's treatment goals. Assesses patient's learning needs, and plans and implements appropriate patient education programs, involving the patient, family, and significant others in the instructional process. Exercises independence and professional judgment in planning and carrying out treatment plans. Demonstrates originality in solving problems not covered by these guides, making innovative adaptations and modifications of treatment plans and procedures to meet the complex and highly varying needs of patients, and routinely collaborates with other health care team members. Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharge planning is coordinated with Physical Therapy and other pertinent Medical Center staff. Identifies general contraindications to treatment and assists with establishing section policies for holding/discontinuing services when there is a change in medical status. Responds appropriately to life-threatening emergencies and or complications of the therapeutic program. Independently evaluates patient's needs and prescribes, applies, and issues prosthetic and orthotic items, durable medical equipment, adaptive equipment, mobility devices, and supportive bracing/splinting to include new and replacement items. Refers to other health care providers within the Rehab Service and outside the service as appropriate. The therapist will place the order within CPRS directly. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM. Telework: ???????Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60019F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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 evaluation. 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.