sic Requirements:
EDUCATION:
Graduate from a degree program in physical therapy from an approved college or university approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 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.
Preferred Education:
The ideal candidate has Graduated from a Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program in physical therapy approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or post-professional DPT degree program from an approved college or university. Program educates autonomous practitioners who will meet the challenges of a dynamic health care environment and that bridge science and clinical practice. Curriculum stresses the importance of evidence-based practice and professionalism.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
Current, full, active and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) or the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE/GRADE DETERMINATIONS:
GS-12: In addition to the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11). Generally, assignments at this grade level require the knowledge, skills, and competencies normally acquired through post-graduate residency or fellowship training programs.
The individual is assigned responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in a content specialty area and as a consultant to physical therapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the specialty area. Special clinical programs include, but are not limited to poly-trauma, orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, traumatic brain injury, cardiopulmonary, stroke, electrophysiology, diabetes, wound care, arthritis, spinal cord injury, or amputee. In addition to completion of 1 year of progressively difficult experience comparable to the next lower grade level, PTs assigned to this position must fully demonstrate the following KSAOs:
a. Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy. Such knowledge typically would be acquired through a minimum 2 years clinical experience in the specialty area, or a Board Certification in the specialty area, completion of a clinical residency or fellowship program, or by obtaining an advanced degree in a related field.
b. Ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized area of physical therapy.
c. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized area of physical therapy.
d. Ability to guide and evaluate the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized area of physical therapy.
e. Advanced skill to perform and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty area.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. YOUR CV OR RESUME SHOULD SUPPORT THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES FOR THIS POSITION.
References: VA Handbook 5005/24, Part II, Appendix G12, PHYSICAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, dated February 2009, at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/IORs/GS0100/0185.htm and OPM Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/IORs/GS0100/0185.htm.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. You may also be evaluated based upon the question responses you provide during a structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions you should be sure to site specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did, and the outcome.
VETERAN PREFERENCE
When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on their application or résumé. Applicants claiming preference based on service-connected disability, or based on being the spouse or mother of a disabled or deceased Veteran, must complete an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference. Veterans who are still in the service may be granted tentative preference on the basis of information contained in their applications, but they must produce a DD Form 214 or other proof prior to appointment to document entitlement to preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/veterans.aspx.
