Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant positions will report to the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Monroe Outpatient Clinic - Monroe LA and Texarkana Outpatient Clinics located in Texarkana - TX. The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention - remediation - and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction.

Qualifications

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: (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
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level)
• Physical Therapy Assistant - GS-8. Experience - One (1) 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: 1
• Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs
• 2
• 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.)
• 3
• 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
• 4
• Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs 5
• Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient
• 6
• Ability to identify critical changes (e.g
• vital signs - pain - mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status)
• 7
• 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: Acute Care/Outpatient Orthopedic experience 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. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• If you are a Current permanent VA employees and Federal employees from other federal agencies should apply under CBST-12660848-25-TB
• Duties performed include - but are not limited to the following: Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician
• Plans and implements specialized treatment programs - some of which are for patients with complex medical problems and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist
• Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants to accommodate requests
• Utilizes physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client
• Independently implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs
• Provides 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.)
• This is done in consultation with a Physical Therapist
• Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals
• Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities
• Identifies critical changes (e.g
• vital signs - pain - mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status
• Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment
• Assists in the performance of - or independently performs - highly specialized and diversified treatment procedure
• Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat - cold - sound - electricity - and massage
• Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise
• Fits - adjusts and instructs patients in use of orthoses - prostheses - and mobility appliances
• Instructs - motivates - and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities
• Prepares and maintains 2 appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments
• Organizes workday to complete duties in a timely manner allowing time for required daily chart documentation
• Varies procedures or positions to adjust for veterans' medical conditions
• Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient
• With prior approval of the therapist - adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs
• Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran
• Instructs patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance of home programs
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the ward physician - physiatrist - nursing staff - fellow therapists and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care
• Works with Physical Therapists and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning - modifying - and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment - safety checks - cleaning - stocking - etc
• Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients - co-workers and self
• Reports to Lead Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment
• Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs
• Assists with the supervision and training of student physical therapy assistants - volunteers - work students and other healthcare practitioners
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - subject to change based on the needs of the facility
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00434F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized