Physical Therapist

Veterans Health Administration; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 93,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, seeks a Physical Therapist in the SCI Therapy Department at the NMVAHCS. The role focuses on outpatient and inpatient SCI clinics, with independent practice in assessment and treatment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools.

Responsibilities include evaluations, treatment planning, wheelchair and equipment training, home modifications, and telehealth approaches to support patient independence.

Qualifications

• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physical Therapist in the U.S.
• Experience with spinal cord injury patients
• Knowledge of geriatric and SCI care guidelines
• Ability to perform home visits and remote assessments

Responsibilities

• Examine, evaluate, and treat adults with spinal cord injury and comorbidities.
• Prescribe and train on specialty equipment and assistive devices.
• Perform therapy in pools and home environments; conduct home safety evaluations.
• Develop and modify goal-directed treatment plans.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize veteran care.
• Educate patients and families on rehabilitation status and prognosis.

Skills

Clinical examination

Geriatric care

Spinal Cord Injury care

Home care

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Patient education

Education

Physical Therapist degree

Tools

Standardized assessment tools

Clinical Video Telehealth

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located in the SCI Therapy Department of the SCI/D Care Line at the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMV AHCS). Position includes services to the outpatient, and in-patient Spinal Cord Injury Clinics. The SCI PT at this grade level practices independently and is responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools.

Key Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to: CLINICAL DUTIES Demonstrates expertise in examining, evaluating, developing, and implementing treatment programs for geriatric adult and adult patients with complex spinal cord injury problems or diseases, and concurrent medical conditions and co-morbidities based on the current evidence and best practices for client management.

This physical therapist has extensive knowledge, experience and skill in the prescription, fitting, and training in the use of specialty equipment utilized by this patient population. This includes assistive technology, mobility devices for gait and wheeled mobility, lifts and lift systems, devices for activities of daily living and other orthotics/prosthetic devices specific to the SCI/D population.

Ability to perform evaluations and treatment interventions in the therapy pool to improve impairments and functional limitations. Demonstrates knowledge of water safety for providing a safe environment. The physical therapist provides SCI Home Care physical therapy as needed, through home visits, video to home evaluations/treatments and Clinical Video Telehealth interventions and team meetings.

Independently uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluating issues in the home environment to identify potential problems and baseline of function. Independently develops and implements appropriate treatment plans and goals to increase patient safety and level of independence. Determines appropriate home modifications needed to increase patient safety and level of independence.

Modifications may include recommendations for the installation of ramps, grab bars, widening of door frames, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for wheelchair accessibility, movement of furniture for better room accessibility, and wheelchair modifications. Monitors patient's tolerance for therapeutic procedures, including tolerance for prescribed adaptive equipment.

Recognizes rates of progress, signs of altered physical or mental of patient, or undesired secondary effects of treatment. Based on findings from a thorough examination and evaluation, the incumbent plans an effective goal-directed treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the impairment, functional limitation and/or disability of the client being treated. Implements the treatment program and modifies it as needed to achieve goals.

Participates on clinical interdisciplinary teams/clinics to provide direct care, input, and supportive information necessary for optimal outcomes in Veteran care. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES The clinician enhances their knowledge and skill in SCI/D by participating in continuing professional development. Completes all required VA annual mandatory training. Attends mandatory in-service training as required by VA, SCI/D Care Line and OT policies and Directives.

Instructs patients on what is expected of them to achieve the desired treatment objectives and goal. Educates family members concerning patient's rehabilitation status, limitations, and prognosis. Provides in-services to the SCI staff and other hospital personnel on SCI PT evaluation and treatment procedures. Arranges and serves to the SCI staff in-service training programs. Participates in the supervision and clinical instruction of PT interns.

ACCOUNTABILITY Determines objectives and sets priorities. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Exhibits VA core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE). Notifies supervisor of significant program error, dissatisfaction customer, or an perceived violations of law or official wrongdoing including fraud, waste, abuse of authority, and violations of VA core values.

Ensures all certifications, licenses, competencies, and training requirements are current with no lapses. Assesses compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARP), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and other program review criteria that governs service and ensures requirements are in place and functioning properly.

SAFETY AND INFECTION CONTROL Monitors equipment used by the patients to ensure the equipment is functioning maximally and properly calibrated to give accurate measures and ensure patient safety. Maintains clinic area and equipment in a safe manner in accordance with safety and infection control policies, Joint Commission and CARF standards, and other relevant regulatory policies.

Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention, i.e., handwashing, use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), and standard precautions/isolation procedures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements & 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/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $93153 – $128370/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-06.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.