Physical Therapist

This position is located at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL (578) - a Level 1a Complexity VHA Facility. Note: This announcement is open to current facility, agency and federal employees, as well as the public. Priority consideration will be given to current agency employees, followed by current federal, then the public.

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY This is the functional description statement of the physical therapist employed to work in the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders' Physical Therapy program at the Hines VA Hospital. Primary function is direct patient care of acute injuries and outpatients in the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center but this therapist will provide support to other areas of the Hines Physical Therapy Department, as required as a flex position with a minimum of 50% dedicated to SCI with the remaining service provided to other areas of the PM&R PT service line of Hines VA. CLINICAL DUTIES Evaluates and assesses patients, as assigned, to determine the treatment course to be followed. Performs tests and measurement of muscles, nerves (including but not limited to ASIA assessment), range of motion, posture, strength, ambulation, circulatory and respiratory status. Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize patient's functional potential, using a myriad of treatment modalities and procedures, including but not limited to neuromuscular facilitation, muscle re-education, electrical stimulation, sensory integration techniques, positioning, application of assistive devices and joint protection techniques to work toward established goals. In coordination with patients and family members, develops a treatment regime that includes instruction to patient/family on an in-home program dealing with exercise, transfers, ambulation, skin care, and safety precautions; instruction in proper safe use of equipment ordering including patient's lifts, wheelchairs, cushions and other seating devices/products. Documents evaluation, goals, patient/family education, progress, and change in treatment or patient's condition in medical records accurately, timely, and includes all elements as per hospital and service policies. Is capable of advanced motivational techniques to obtain participation of patient with complex physical/psychosocial diagnoses. Is responsible for supervising volunteers and therapy assistant, giving clinical guidance and training to physical therapy assistants and advance level physical therapy students. Evaluates patients new adaptive aids, prosthetic and/or orthotic equipment. Coordinates with prosthetic department on recommendations and appropriate modifications to enhance patient functional capabilities. With changing medical practices, the incumbent must routinely consult with staff and resident physicians from all specialties. Develops and initiates treatment programs as new patient types are referred to the physical therapy department. EDUCATION DUTIES Serves as liaison for SCI rehabilitation to medical center staff, patients, families, visitors, students and volunteers. Attends regularly scheduled conferences and staffing and is a specialist physical therapist on multidisciplinary teams, contributing information for overall goals of patients. Provides in-services to staff on various topics relating to patient care, seating and positioning, or safety factors. Assists with the clinical training/nursing education specialist in providing educational experiences for staff and students, assesses their performance in providing feedback and makes plans for improvement in identified areas of deficiency. This employee is responsible for participating in patient care audits and ongoing quality assurance activities throughout Physical therapy/Rehabilitation Service Program, as assigned by Physical Therapy Supervisor. ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES Attends and participates in scheduled and appointed professional service/program committee meetings, management workshops, conferences, and seminars. Establishes priority of objectives and evaluates existing programs, conducts needs assessments prior to establishment of new programs. May receive and review complaints and conflicts regarding patient care, staff performances and general unit management. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Attends periodic meetings between the Physical Therapy supervisor and other clinical specialists to enhance department operations as required. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 07:30a-4p Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Preferred Experience: Evidence of at least 2 years of experience working with the neurologic population, especially patients with spinal cord injuries/disorders. Ability and flexibility to cover in all areas of physical therapy including but not limited to outpatient and acute inpatient.

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 examination. 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/.