Physical Therapist- Physical Medicine and Rehab Service Chief
About This Position
The Service Chief of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at William S. Middleton Memorial Hospital in Madison, WI, which is a Complexity Level 1b facility, is responsible for the supervision, clinical and administrative oversight, and direction of Allied Health Professionals across the services of Physical, Occupational, Recreational, and Speech Therapies and Audiology.
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: Citizenship: citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independentexperience as a physical therapist. (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy Licensure: current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as an Physical Therapist in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency: spoken and written English language proficiency in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j.
The qualified individual will meet and maintain the qualification requirements for the position, assignment and grade as outlined in the Physical Therapy Qualification Standard, VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12. Physical Requirements: The incumbent of the position will meet and maintain physical and drug test program requirements as required by hospital policy. There will be periods of walking and ambulating patients, providing patient transfers, and potential to lift 50 pounds and supporting patients.
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). GS-14 Physical Therapist (Service Chief) Experience:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in multiple professional areas.
Skill in managing interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution in dealing with arrange of employees, discipline lead(s), and administrators. Ability to translate extensive rehabilitation knowledge into local policy development. Ability to effectively supervise staff by providing clinical and administrative oversight.
This includes ability to manage resources, evaluate employees and assign work. Ability to collaborate with strategic planning committees at local, VISN or national levels for new ventures addressing patient care delivery systems, facilities management, system reorganizations, etc. Preferred Experience: Leadership position in a hospital setting.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Major Duties
Service Chief duties include but are not limited to: Clinical: Supervises and assigns work to PM&R professionals (PT, OT, PTA, COTA, TR, SLP, Audiologists), trainees, administrative support, and volunteers in the delivery, support, and/or coordination of treatment and education of patients, families, and co-workers at the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital Oversight of PM&R consult management for appropriateness, clinical triage, and clinical review of request for contracted services. Oversees coordination of scheduling for all consults for new patients.
Coordinates with other services in PM&R treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care. Serves as a consultant to PM&R staff and other hospital personnel in evaluating and planning rehabilitation treatment. Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of PM&R services.
Documentation: Performs and provides oversight of consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT/OT/TR/SLP/Audiology practice, Joint Commission, facility, and PM&R Service requirements regarding content and timeliness. Performs and provides oversight of competent documentation in CPRS of progress notes and discharge summaries. Performs and provides oversight of entering consults to the Prosthetics Service in accordance with PM&RS and local medical center policies.
Education: Identifies continuing education needs based on performance of staff and needs of the service. Educates other facility personnel in the scope of PM&R services and programs involving a variety of healthcare specialties and providers. Will coordinate research studies and will serve as consultant to staff in research initiative.
Provides leadership and coordination of national and local VA training for VHA and PT staff to ensure staff competency. Provides consultation to VA medical centers throughout the system in the area of rehabilitation. Attends continuing education related to management and clinical practice to enhance knowledge base and optimize personal practices.
Administrative: Performs a full range of supervisory duties that includes: recruitment, interviewing, and selecting PM&R candidates; recommending appointments, advancements, and promotions for permanent staff; and taking disciplinary action when indicated. Works closely in a supportive role reporting to the Hospital Chief of Staff Works closely with the assigned Chief of Prosthetics in the prescription and ordering of prosthetic items and is responsible for assisting in the development of local and VISN guidelines.- Has oversight and direct input on semi-annual and annual performance evaluations for all PM&RS staff at the Madison VA Medical Center. Serves as a rating official for PM&RS staff's yearly performance reviews, recommending awards, counseling staff to develop strategies for improvement, or when necessary, assisting in corrective action.
Conducts ongoing performance appraisals with direct reports. Organizes, supervises, guides and manages clinics in respect to training, work assignments, performance, conduct, and patient welfare. Conducts service level meetings and/or in-services on a regular basis to expand the knowledge and disseminate appropriate information to PM&R staff.- Develops, plans, implements, and assists in the planning, development, and implementation of various treatment programs for PM&RS.
Collects and compiles appropriate data for statistical and narrative reports. Submitting such reports in a timely fashion.- Makes recommendations for equipment and budgetary needs based upon the needs of the PM&R service. Assures the cleanliness, maintenance, repairs, and successful operation of all equipment, treatment areas, and operational supplies within PM&R.
Serves as the PM&R Custodial officer, overseeing all purchasing, maintenance, and turn in of equipment assigned to EIL 280 and 770. Responsible for submitting requests for expendable and non-expendable equipment and reviewing the equipment needs and budget with the Administrative Officer. Responsible for ensuring that all OSHA standards as well as the facility safety guidelines and infection control policies are being met in the treatment areas.
Responsible for special assignments associated with the preparation for Joint Commission and other surveys, as applicable, and ensuring that the standards are met.- Responsible for assuring confidentiality compliance as defined in the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act. Represent the VA at a national level through lectures, education, and training. VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 08:00am to 4:30pm Telework: AD-HOC Telework Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Conditions of Employment
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 examinations. 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 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.
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/.
How You Will Be Evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13041684. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.