Physical Therapy Assistant
What you'd do
The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is assigned to the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Section located in Fredericksburg Health Care Center (FxHCC) of the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVVHCS). The PTA provides a full range of patient care services, education, and research. The PTA at the GS-8 is assigned to provide professional, physical therapy services to any/all program areas that are covered by PM&R under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
Major duties
Major duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical Functions 1) Performs at the full performance level and is appropriately licensed; he/she performs all duties under the oversight of a licensed physical therapist. 2) The PTA is assigned varied caseload of patients, complex cases and is responsible for the management and maintenance of specialized physical therapy programs and regimens. 3) The PTA independently provides varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established PT plan of care and administers a wide variety of evidence-based physical therapy procedures using exercise programs, mechanical traction, therapeutic massage, physical agents, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and electricity. 4) Must possess advanced knowledge of treatment techniques to assess changes in physical, mental and/or medical status. He/she can identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. 5) Must possess advanced knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques to perform specified aspects of patient evaluations and interventions. Administrative Duties 1) Responsible for the care, upkeep, and sanitation of equipment in assigned work environment. Must organize and maintain clinical and administrative space to optimize safety, infection control and efficiency. 2) Assesses equipment needs of the department and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. 3) Schedules his/her patients for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinates schedules with other members of the treatment team. Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients and unforeseen circumstances. 4) Provides guidance and support to co-workers, students, and volunteers. 5) Delegates duties to other support staff as appropriate. Environmental Functions 1) The PTA demonstrates awareness of safety hazards and seeks appropriate corrective action when indicated. 2) The PTA assists in the establishment of clinic and practice safety guidelines impacting all Physical Therapy patients and programs when/as requested. 3) The PTA adheres to infection control programs. 4) The PTA transports patients, equipment, and supplies when necessary. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: N/A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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. English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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 Physical Therapy Assistant (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-8 Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-7) level. This experience include PTAs receiving ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by the treating PT. PTAs draw upon a broad base of practical and experiential knowledge in order to assist the PT in reaching pre-determined patient goals. PTAs work independently but still under the general direction of PTs. They observe patients' ability to perform specified tasks in order to provide ongoing assessment of information on patients' physical and functional status. PTAs work with the physical therapy staff to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. They provide clinical direction for PTA students. 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: Orthopedic Outpatient experience preferred. 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-8. Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and recurring physical exertion, which involves standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting (45lbs or greater) is often required. Sitting at meetings, desks, or computer terminals for documentation purposes is required. Visual acuity to perform daily documentation and work with clients. Mental and emotional stability to work with varied caseloads.
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