Physical Therapist

This Physical Therapist position is under the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center located in Houston, Texas. Provides Physical Therapy (PT) services primarily in the PT/KT therapy clinic, the Rehab/Neuro and Ortho Nursing units mainly through referrals from various approved providers. Collaborates with RECL, Mental Health, Medical, and other Care Lines to ensure the prompt delivery of effective and efficient PT services for referred patients.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This position is based in the RECL at the MEDVAMC, and is administratively and clinically responsible to the Supervisory Occupational Therapist, Supervisory Rehabilitation Therapist, Rehabilitation Director, and the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Line Executive for patient care. Will also provide PT services in other therapy clinics and nursing units at MEDVAMC as needed/requested. May include approved outings into the community. Duties of the Physical Therapist include, but are not limited to: Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based Physical Therapy (PT) practice for patients who seek PT services. Skilled in performing examination and evaluation of individuals who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique psychosocial and environmental factors. Independently develops a PT prognosis and incorporates examination findings to implement an appropriate patient centered PT rehabilitation plan of care for a variety of diagnoses while using appropriate judgment to modify treatment for changing medical conditions. Must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform more complex patient treatment procedures. Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process. Independently provides clinical oversight of PT Assistants as well as students on clinical affiliations who are in Doctoral PT or PT Assistant Programs. Following referral/consult from a physician or other approved provider, reviews the medical record and independently evaluates each patient to determine functional deficits and the best method to accomplish rehabilitation goals. Applies recognized Physical Therapy (PT) treatment procedures correctly, safely, and modifies these techniques in such a manner as not to interfere with any traction devices, surgical drains, catheters, immobilizing appliances, respiratory aides, or monitoring devices. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment, significantly altered physical or mental status of patients, and reports to appropriate medical authority. Documents initial findings, treatment goals, equipment recommendations, treatment provided, patient progress, patient/family education, and discharge summary in patient's medical record. Evaluates and recommends appropriate assistive devices and adaptive equipment as indicated following an assessment. Accurately completes timely Prosthetics consults for recommended items. Fits devices appropriately for patient needs and instructs patient/care provider in the use of these devices. Participates in team conferences, rounds, discharge planning meetings, specialty clinics, and other assigned medical meetings. Consults with physicians, other therapists and medical personnel, the patient, and as indicated the family and/or caregiver, to develop and maximize benefit of the patient's therapy program. Observes infection control procedures, safety and treatment precautions pertinent to the patient's condition or disease process, and the specific treatment technique or procedure being utilized. Delegates plan of care and procedures to appropriate and qualified personnel as the situation indicates; i.e., PT Assistants/Aids/Health Tech, students, etc., or other persons with expertise indicated. Oversees the delegated procedures and monitors the plan of care. Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 08:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekend/Holiday work may be required (subject to change based on the needs of the facility). Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-02291-F; 580-00876-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

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.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.