Physical Therapy Assistant

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: For this position you must meet at least one of the educational 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.

Grade Determination: GS-08:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements for appointment, candidate must have at least one (1) year of physical therapy assistant experience comparable to the GS-07 grade level in Federal Service. Creditable experience includes but not limited to: Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by the treating Physical Therapist (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.

And-

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the Candidates must also demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below:

(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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23. Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0636.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of experience in an acute care setting treating patients post orthopedic & cardiac surgeries, amputations, and general debilitation.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting 50 pounds and over. Use of fingers, both hands required, reaching above shoulder, walking (8 hours), Standing (8 Hours) Both legs required (1 prosthetic), Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in other. Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (Aid permitted) and mental and emotional stability.