The Spinal Cord Injury Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) position is located in the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Service of VA San Diego Health Care System (VASDHS). The SCI PTA at this level must possess and demonstrate a level of clinical competence to serve as a consultant to other PTA's; and also serves as the SCI Center Coordinator for clinical education for PTA students and Restorative Nursing. 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. 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. TRANSCRIPT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION 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. 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 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: Experience providing Physical Therapy for patients with spinal cord injury. References: VA Handbook 5005/139 PART II APPENDIX G23 January 28, 2021 Physical Requirements: Needs to be mobile in the work environment. Performs work in a clinical area, various hospital wards, intensive care units, and patients' home/work environments. Work requires good physical and mental health, strength, coordination, balance, pushing, stooping, reaching, kneeling, bending, walking, handling of wheelchairs, and intermittent standing. ["Duties include but are not limited to: The Spinal Cord Injury Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for the following: Patient Evaluation, Treatment, and Development Under the clinical supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT); plans, integrates, and communicates comprehensive physical therapy treatments for patients with SCI/D who have a variety of deficits including complete or incomplete paralysis of upper lower extremities with the associated medical and functional problems. Therapeutic objectives are complex, and the treatment procedures involved require the application of highly specialized skills and knowledge. Develops and implements individualized physical therapy treatments including resistive exercises, passive and active range of motion, functional mobility training, postural training, transfer training, etc., for acute and chronic, inpatient and outpatient spinal cord injured patients. Recognizes and considers the various interacting medical and psychosocial variables, which affect the individual with SCI/D when preparing a treatment plan and motivate the patient to become an active participant in their rehabilitation process. Monitors patient progress and modifies treatments as necessary according to an ongoing evaluation process, in order to optimize patient condition and allow patient to reach the goals established in conjunction with team. Factors include medical and functional status, psychosocial variables, patient needs and goals, and available treatment modalities. Participates on ward rounds, patient planning meetings, and discharge conferences and informs team of patient status and expectations. Assists PT's in home evaluations, mobility evaluations, gait and transfer evaluations, activities of daily living evaluations and equipment evaluations. Demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities that are required for a Lead PTA. Advanced knowledge of treatment techniques in order to assess changes in physical, mental, and /or medical status. Determines if a patient is oriented x 4 (name, place, date and their situation) checking patient·· blood pressure, loss of normal strength, sign of early fatigue secondary to under or over medication or deconditioning. Able to work with PT's to progress patient within PT treatment plan. Advanced knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specified aspects of patient evaluations and interventions. Evaluates patient position and technique when performing therapy exercises. Instructs patient in the correct and proper way of performing transfers, wheelchair management and using gym equipment. Skills to manage and/or maintain responsibility for a specialty program. Trains patients on highly specialized therapy equipment at the SCI Center, including the Lokomat, Alter G treadmill, Bioness, and Functional Electrical Stimulation bike. Communicate with vendors to ensure receipt of updates to the equipment. Provides staff with periodic training on the specialized equipment to ensure they remain familiar with the complex equipment. Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from the therapist or physician. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patient's status and ascertaining patient's need for therapy services. Procedures require close consultation with a therapist or physician. Secures the confidence and cooperation of Veterans during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields Veterans as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for Veterans' medical conditions. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to use and care for orthoses, prostheses, or other supportive devices. Persuades and motivates Veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family about the goals for treatment. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. Supports therapists or other staff in treating patients with physical disabilities, injuries, or disease by use of a wide range of physical therapy techniques and procedures. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:45AM - 4:15PM Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position Position Description/PD#: Physical Therapy Assistant (Spinal Cord Injury)/PD000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
