Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

The position is responsible for direct patient care within Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Veterans with a variety of orthopedic - neurological - and systemic impairments. The Physical Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to provide services that promotes the prevention - remediation - and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction.

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
• Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below:(1) 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 (2) 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 (3) 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
• English Language Proficiency
• [PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
• 7403(f)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates GS 5 Experience
• [None beyond the basic requirements.] GS 6 Experience
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice
• (b) Ability to perform] physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care
• (c) Ability to modify treatment approaches - within the scope of the established treatment plans - to reflect patients' changing needs
• (d) Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas
• GS 7 Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• [In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans
• (b) Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress - in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases
• (c) Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice
• (d) Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress - modify treatment and set discharge plan
• GS 8 Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• [In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs
• (b) Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g. - therapeutic exercise - balance - body mechanics - flexibility - strength - gait training - neuromotor development - physical agents - functional training - etc.)
• (c) Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client
• (d) Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs
• (e) Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient
• (f) Ability to identify critical changes (e.g
• vital signs - pain - mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status
• (g) Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning - modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning
• Preferred Experience: Outpatient clinic experience - Acute Care experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Part II Appendix G23 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 5 to GS 8
• Physical Requirements: This position requires frequent bending and lifting - and the ability to assist patients with a variety of therapeutic activities
• Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics.
  
  

Duties

• Positions or repositions patients using proper transfer devices (example transfer belt - sliding board) and procures assistance when necessary
• Adjusts and issues assistive devices for ambulation and instructs patients in their use
• Instructs - motivates - and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities (example ambulation - transfers - and bed mobility)
• Instructs - motivates - and assists patients to improve pulmonary function
• Instructs patient in principles of cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary endurance
• Instructs patients in proper gait patterns
• Consistently displays appropriate respect - recognition and understanding of the patient in terms of their age/level and/or cultural background
• The PTA is sensitive to any special needs that may come from age or culturally related factors
• Modifies treatment approaches - within the scope of the established plan - to reflect patients' changing needs only with collaboration with evaluating PT
• Other assigned duties Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized