What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapy Assistant position at Veterans Health Administration?
Position is located in the Physical Therapy Department of the Pain Management and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) at Peru, IN CBOC. Under the direction of a Physical Therapist, the PTA provides services that promote the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients.
Basic Requirements:
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 3, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8 (1) Experience. [One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) 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: GS-0636-08
References: VA Handbook 5005/139 PART II APPENDIX G23The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.
Physical Requirements: Must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Must have, usable vision, color vision, hearing, or speech. However, these impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant for appointment. The loss or impairment of any of these functions may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist lift/push/pull up to 40 pounds.
This is the journey level for the PTAs. Assignments include: Collaborate with the primary PT then draw upon a broad base of practical knowledge and a well-developed treatment skill set in order to reach predetermined patient goals by independently modifying techniques within the established plan of care. Implement the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. Provide evidenced based skilled interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, therapeutic modalities, gait training, transfer training, manual treatment, neuromuscular re-education, self-care and management training, patient/caregiver's education and group therapy. Meet with the physical therapy staff and other healthcare team members to evaluate and discuss patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. Prepare, Provide and Supervise clinical training experiences for PTA students.
A: Clinical Demonstrates ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Independently provides varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercises, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.) Collects physical therapy data and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client. Demonstrates ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. Identifies critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Works with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.
B: Education Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for physical therapy Assistant students. Training experiences are designed to fulfill student educational and professional requirements. Student performance is evaluated in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association and academic program guidelines. Completes educational activities and competencies to maintain state licensure and any additional certification(s) as required by the certifying/licensing agency and the VA Completes annual mandatory reviews and other education as directed by National Headquarters, VISN, Medical Center, Service Line, and Department.
Health and Safety: Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service level safety promotions as directed by supervisor. Knows fire drill and emergency plans for work area, including location of all emergency fire equipment.
Customer Service: Meets the needs of customers while supporting the mission and goals of the organization. Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public are consistently courteous, respectful, tactful, and cooperative in nature. Customers are provided with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. The PTA handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. The PTA works effectively to ensure that productivity is maintained at the established level for the assigned program.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 730am-400pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Functional Statement 91269-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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: (TRANSCRIPTS required at time of application)
- (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;
- (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.
- (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. (1) Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. (a) Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess state licensure, may be appointed, pending licensure, as a graduate PTA on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). (b) Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (c) Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Licensure. In all cases, non-licensed PTAs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the non-licensed PTA with the written requirements for licensure, including the time by which the license must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to obtain licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment.
- Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
- 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 outlined in paragraph 3, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8 (1) Experience. [One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) 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: GS-0636-08
References: VA Handbook 5005/139 PART II APPENDIX G23The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.
Physical Requirements: Must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Must have, usable vision, color vision, hearing, or speech. However, these impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant for appointment. The loss or impairment of any of these functions may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist lift/push/pull up to 40 pounds.
Responsibilities:
VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqYThis is the journey level for the PTAs. Assignments include: Collaborate with the primary PT then draw upon a broad base of practical knowledge and a well-developed treatment skill set in order to reach predetermined patient goals by independently modifying techniques within the established plan of care. Implement the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. Provide evidenced based skilled interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, therapeutic modalities, gait training, transfer training, manual treatment, neuromuscular re-education, self-care and management training, patient/caregiver's education and group therapy. Meet with the physical therapy staff and other healthcare team members to evaluate and discuss patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. Prepare, Provide and Supervise clinical training experiences for PTA students.
A: Clinical Demonstrates ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Independently provides varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercises, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.) Collects physical therapy data and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client. Demonstrates ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. Identifies critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Works with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.
B: Education Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for physical therapy Assistant students. Training experiences are designed to fulfill student educational and professional requirements. Student performance is evaluated in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association and academic program guidelines. Completes educational activities and competencies to maintain state licensure and any additional certification(s) as required by the certifying/licensing agency and the VA Completes annual mandatory reviews and other education as directed by National Headquarters, VISN, Medical Center, Service Line, and Department.
Health and Safety: Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service level safety promotions as directed by supervisor. Knows fire drill and emergency plans for work area, including location of all emergency fire equipment.
Customer Service: Meets the needs of customers while supporting the mission and goals of the organization. Relationships with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public are consistently courteous, respectful, tactful, and cooperative in nature. Customers are provided with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. The PTA handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. The PTA works effectively to ensure that productivity is maintained at the established level for the assigned program.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 730am-400pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Functional Statement 91269-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Salary : $49,549 - $64,410
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