Summary The Staff Physical Therapy Assistant (P.T.A), Position is located in the Physical Therapy Department of the PM&R. The position is responsible for direct patient care within PM&R of Veterans with a variety of orthopedic, neurological, and systemic impairments. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT) to provide services that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. Responsibilities The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a PT. This individual may be responsible for representing the rehabilitation department in group programming or collaborative treatment teams in the areas amputee rehab, specialized wheelchair and equipment, orthotic fitting and training, lumbar stabilization, group strengthening, and training. The physical therapy assistant is responsible for executing treatment plans that include a full range of treatment procedures and modalities. These treatment plans are designed to restore individual patients to their highest possible functional level and to enhance their adaptive capacities through the use of physical measures, activities, prostheses or assistive devices. The Physical Therapy Assistant also assists in the growth and development of the department and the profession through participation in performance improvement and educational activities. 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. Range of motion Muscles strength Gross motor coordination Endurance Postural balance Tactile awareness Coordinates intervention plans with other members of the treatment team. Will communicate effectively with peers, health professional and volunteers. Interacts effectively with patients, families and/or significant others. Maintains adaptability (will adapt to change in a professional manner). Cooperates well with other staff, physicians. Facilitates and maintains a positive working relationship and facilitates a cooperative work environment. Displays honesty and mutual respect when communicating with peers and other services. Facilitates solutions on problems that may compromise patient care by using appropriate chain of command. Documents progress/change in status. Documents functional and physical status upon discharge. Documents patient or caregiver education. Incorporates VA, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, and Joint Commission policies when documenting. Will document timely, accurately and legibly on all assigned patients. Physical Therapist will review and co-sign all PTA documentation. The PTA utilizes time management skills, to schedule/balance patient treatment times. Utilizes non treatment time for other appropriate duties such as clean-up, equipment cleaning/disinfecting and paperwork responsibilities. Actively supports the implementation of quality improvement activities. Updates knowledge base regarding current trends in physical therapy through continuing education courses. Will work toward improving and enhancing clinical skills through participation in staff training sessions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51215F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. A copy of your PTA license must be submitted with your application. Grade Determination. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. This is the entry level developmental position. PTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require general clinical [direction] by the treating physical therapist. GS-6 Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities-Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice.-Ability to perform] physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care.-Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients changing needs.-Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. Assignment. PTAs at this grade level serve in developmental positions under general direction from PTs. They receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require general clinical direction by the treating physical therapist. GS-7 Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities-Ability to organize data, format that data into a presentation, and present information pertinent to patient care in formal or informal settings. Examples may include providing in-service training to staff or formal presentations to the treatment team.-Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans.-Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases.-Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice.-Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. Assignment. This is a developmental level for PTAs. PTAs receive 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. GS-8 Experience. Completion of 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities-Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.-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.).- 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.-Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs.- Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient.-Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.-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. Assignment. This is considered the journey level for PTAs. PTAs at this level 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. Preferred Experience: Outpatient Clinic experience 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). 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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Physical Therapy is considered a vocation that requires "medium" work. Medium Work entails: exerting 20 - 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. (i.e.: more than exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.) Examples of the medium strength required by physical therapists are as follows: Standing, walking, squatting, bending, and sitting, and changing from one position to the other frequently throughout the day; Sitting at a desk and using upper extremities to reach, grasp and place papers, charts and binders; Reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling: 1 - 10 pounds constantly, 10 - 25 frequently, and 20 - 50 pounds occasionally Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.