Summary This position is organizationally aligned under the Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) Audie L. Murphy Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. This position is part of therapy services and reports to the therapy services program manager (or section chief). This position will provide direct supervision for Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) staff and matrix OT and PT staff as stated below. Responsibilities VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Major Duties: Therapy Supervisor, Physical Therapist has the following duties, which may include but are not limited to the following: Apply appropriate principles of Advanced Clinic Access/Systems Redesign to the therapy sections to establish and manage day to day work assignments, management of fee basis/contract staffing, and long-range planning. Assign, evaluate, and ensure the safety of subordinate staff, during the workday as well as resolving problems which may interfere with the delivery of therapies across multiple services. This includes coordination of the weekend schedule and oversight of staff delivering weekend care in the acute setting. Coordinate therapy services and provide coverage as needed to ensure optimal collaboration with other healthcare providers within the VA/DoD facilities and community as needed. Make certain staff apply appropriate practice framework in clinical skills: performance and engagement in contemporary, evidence-based therapy services as the process relates to client factors to support participation for improved outcomes. Continuously evaluate staff assessments, treatments and knowledge-based competencies in the areas of OT and PT as applicable. Analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity. Provide and/or arrange for competencies training with various treatments, equipment, and therapeutic modalities. Develop and implement appropriate orientation and training programs when appropriate. Ensure appropriate sectional use as defined by evidence-based practice and professional guidelines. Utilize extensive rehabilitation knowledge to develop local policy and provide timely completion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with follow up communications and training to staff. Ensure that staff have a safe and clean work environment. Responsible for ensuring that all OSHA, joint commission, and other accrediting bodies standards, as well as all facility safety guidelines and infection control policies are being met in the treatment areas. Assure confidentiality compliance as defined in the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act. Assure accuracy of reports submitted by lead therapist / clinical specialists, clinical education coordinators, and team/program leaders. Reports findings to the appropriate leadership, related supervisors and makes program changes accordingly to improve patient care and employee satisfaction. Set priorities, delegate tasks, and solve problems to meet multiple deadlines and identify/address organizational problems Collaborate with leadership to track, project, and analyze data related to employee productivity and performance improvement as related to staffing needs. Complete interviews and recommend candidates for consideration in the sections; recommend advancements and actions; evaluate performance and identify continuing education/training needs, etc for all staff. Advise and collaborate with the therapy services program manager/section chief to ensure that Performance Measures and Transitional Measures assigned to their respective department(s) are met. Utilize skill in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution to address staff needs and concerns. Assist with clinical studies, projects, programs, committees, and boards when identified by the Service, the VISN, and/or VHA. This may include Patient Health Education, CARF, and The Joint Commission (TJC). Other duties as assigned by leadership. Additional responsibilities may include: Responsible for submitting requests for non-expendable equipment and reviewing the equipment needs and budget with the program manager/section chief. Represent PM&R service in developing and maintaining effective interdepartmental relationships, while cooperating with other services to accomplish the medical facility's mission and goals. Represent VA at the VISN and national level through lectures, education, and training. Responsible for special assignments associated with the preparation for CARF and TJC surveys, as applicable, and ensuring that the standards are met. Provide consultation and recommendations as a member of the hospital Occupational Health and Safety Ergonomics committee assisting with the following: Inclusion of the Ergonomics Program into the overall Medical Center Safety Plan. Providing input and assistance as necessary for effective program development and implementation. Major Duties continues in Education section below: Work Schedule: 0730-1600, 0700-1530, or 0800-1630; Monday-Friday Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Duty Location of Position: The duty location would be wherever the selected employee is currently located, be that ALM, New Braunfels, NWHCC, or Kerrville. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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 dentification 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. 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. 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. NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in postbaccalaureate degrees(eliminating the baccalaureate degree). Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. 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. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-profit organization created to assist the United States (U.S.) Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool. 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. Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. 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). Grade Determinations: GS- 13 Physical Therapist (Supervisory) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to provide clinical guidance to Staff PTs within the department. Knowledge of human resources administration, including such functions as the ability to interview and select qualified applicants, monitor and evaluate performance, and maintain effective labor management relations within scope of responsibility. Ability to effectively supervise, direct, and manage a physical therapy staff. Skill in forging positive interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Ability to analyze clinically appropriate data effectively to optimize quality, performance, and productivity within the section. Ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, and solve problems in order to meet multiple deadlines and identify/address organizational problems. Ability to manage advocacy roles and planning activities within the VA and the greater rehabilitation community. Preferred Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical practice as a licensed Physical Therapist, with demonstrated advanced competency in evaluation and treatment planning. Prior supervisory or team-lead experience in a hospital, multi-clinic network, or large healthcare system. Experience overseeing day-to-day clinical operations, including staffing, productivity management, and patient-flow coordination. Proven ability to mentor, coach, and develop clinicians, including new graduates and students. Familiarity with performance management, competency assessment, and supporting staff through skill development. Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including nursing, physicians, case management, and rehab leadership. Strong understanding of regulatory standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, state practice acts) and documentation compliance requirements. Background in program development, quality improvement initiatives, or clinical process optimization. Demonstrated leadership in implementing evidence based practice and supporting clinical education. Experience with electronic medical records and data driven decision making for scheduling, outcomes tracking, and productivity management. Ability to foster a positive team culture focused on patient centered care, staff engagement, and continuous improvement. Prior experience providing care in diverse clinical settings such as acute care, inpatient rehab, outpatient, or specialty programs. Qualification section continues in Education section below: Education 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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Major Duties Continued: Including general workplace ergonomic assessments into the Environment of Care rounds. Reporting ergonomic risks identified during Environment of Care rounds needing intervention to Occupation Health. EEO Responsibilities: The pattern of selection in the work unit reflects commitment to and support of objectives and actions established in the EEO/AA plans. Actions to identify and eliminate potential causes for EEO complaints are timely and effective. The incumbent's interaction (e.g., hiring, placement, advancement, training, recognition, evaluations, appraisals, assignment, overtime, and disciplinary actions) with all employees or applicants for employment is fair and unbiased. The work environment is harmonious and free from sexual harassment. Allegations of discrimination are resolved informally at the lowest possible level on mutually agreeable terms through cooperation with EEO counselors, personnel or union representatives. Support is provided to employees who have EEO collateral duty responsibilities by documenting such duties in their official position description, adjusting work schedules and workloads as necessary, and otherwise providing the flexibility needed to carry out EEO collateral duty assignments. Qualification Section Continued: 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: Work includes regular and demanding physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment. Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work. Above average agility may be desirable in defending oneself (or others) against physical attack/abuse. Work requires physical health, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
