The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is recruiting for two Physical Therapy Assistants. The selected Physical Therapy Assistants will function under Specialty Care with their primary duty station being the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. 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: 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, Be a 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, Be a graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs. Licensure: Applicant must possess a 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, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for appointments at grade levels specified. Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-5 (1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements (2) 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. The [treating] physical therapist is available on a regularly scheduled basis to review the practice of the PTAs and support the PTAs in the performance of their services. PTAs perform preliminary chart review including medical history and contraindications for treatment. They treat patients through basic exercise, massage, gait and balance training and other therapeutic interventions. PTAs recommend changes in treatment based on changes in physical, mental and/or medical status of the patient. PTAs instruct, motivate and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities. Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-6 (1) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidate must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice. (b) Ability to perform] physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care. (c) Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients changing needs. (d) Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. (3) 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. [PTAs develop a broad base of practical knowledge to assist the PT in reaching pre-determined patient goals. Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-7 (1) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidate must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans. (b) Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases. (c) Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice. (d) Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. (3) 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. 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. Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8 (1) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidate must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 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. 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. They 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. They provide evidence 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. They 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23. Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0636. 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-04 to 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. ["VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY The Physical Therapist Assistant's (PTA) primary function is direct patient care. Treatment duties include a variety of interventions and treatment techniques, documentation as well as patient/family education. The PTA provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. The PTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by the Physical Therapist (PT). The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the direct supervision of a PT. The PTA also conducts educational programs to support the needs of patients. Duties may include but are not limited to Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapists or physician. Plans and implements therapy for patients under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist. Completes a chart review and obtain a subjective history. Administers therapy to patients incorporating accepted modalities and treatment standards per the American Physical Therapy Association (PTA) under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist. Demonstrates familiarity and basic competencies in all clinical modalities, exercise and functional activities to enhance patient independence. Communicates with treating physical therapist to allow for development and modification of treatment plans. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plan and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family goals for treatment under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist. Fits, adjusts, and instructs patients in the use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities. Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the physical therapist and fellow healthcare professionals concerned with the patient's care as needed. Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, reports on patient's goals and progress and to assist in planning patient's treatment program. 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 Supervisory Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment. Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs, clinical in-services, and on-line training. Inpatient Treatment The physical therapist assistant assigned at the Battle Creek VAMC is assigned a varied caseload. He/she may assists the therapist in the treatment of often inpatients. Has the proper skills and knowledge to recognize special precautions for mobilizing patients that have been bedridden for prolonged periods of time. Assists in monitoring the patient's vital signs (HR, BP, RR) and assists to restore abnormal alterations to normal parameters in accordance with established procedures/protocols/practices. Documents changes orally and written in progress notes. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:30pm, Occasional weekend coverage Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:91656A, 91657A, 91658A, 91659A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]

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