Physical Therapy Assistant

PTAs at this level practice independently, under the direction of the physical therapist and are responsible for comprehensive monitoring of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized measures. PTA's provide direct physical therapy interventions/procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in functional mobility, ROM/strength, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.

Qualifications:

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. Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below:
  • Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; OR
  • Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. OR
  • Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs.
• Licensure. Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.

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: Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-9

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate one of the following:

• A minimum of 2000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area, and completion of 60 contact hours of selected continuing education coursework. This time must be within the past five years; or
• Advanced Practice Proficiency (APP) in the specialty area recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA); or
• An additional academic degree related to the health care mission.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to mentor other staff in advanced clinical guidelines and best practices.
2. Ability to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for healthcare providers in specialty practice areas regarding physical therapy care.
3. Ability to present] advanced knowledge in the therapeutic interventions and clinical practice guidelines with the healthcare team.
4. Ability to interpret and apply clinical practice guidelines

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-9.

Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, light lifting (up to 20 lbs.)

Responsibilities:

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY

Duties of the Physical Therapist include but are not limited to:

• PTA's provide direct physical therapy interventions/procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in functional mobility, ROM/strength, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
• PT As demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in physical therapy, their proper application using analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures.
• Assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent physical therapy services.
• PTAs at this level may be given assignments in any area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required on a reoccurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial.
• Independent evaluation of the patient's functional abilities including using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests as needed to determine physical therapy needs.
• Primary assessment instruments and/or procedures include, but are not limited to goniometry, strength measurements, observation, interview, and review of medical histories to establish patient-centered goals and treatment.
• Development of and ability to carry out a full range of physical therapy treatments using a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional treatment techniques and modalities.

Work Schedule: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Monday - Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 70960-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $61,722