Physical Therapy Assistant
Company: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Location: Vancouver
Posted on: August 3, 2022
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Job Description:
Summary The incumbent provides Physical Therapy for patients
with physical disabilities within the Portland Health Care System.
1 vacancy in Vancouver, Washington Responsibilities Provides direct
patient care under the supervision of a physical therapist to
provide services that promote prevention, remediation and rehab of
acute and chronic physical dysfunctions. Completes a preliminary
review/exam of patient data; developing physical therapy treatment
programs done in consultation with a physical therapist or
physician. Provides and monitors therapeutic activities and
interventions based on goals established by a Physical Therapist
but must be able to carry out a direct treatment plan without
supervision of a physical therapist. Communicates with
multidisciplinary team through team meetings, ward rounds, written
reports and formal communication such as conversations. Conducts
in-service programs for the physical therapy section and other
disciplines and shares knowledge of new or improved techniques with
staff. Acts as a clinical instructor to physical therapist
assistant students to fulfill their educational and professional
requirements. Works independently, under the supervision of a
physical therapist. Contributes to a positive working environment
by interacting with all persons pleasantly and courteously,
demonstrating value-added service. Work Schedule: Tuesday -
Saturday 0730 - 1600 Telework: Eligible Virtual: This is not a
virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements Conditions of Employment 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: Must be
proficient in both spoken and written English. 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. 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. 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 Determination: In addition to the basic
requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining
the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-05 Physical
Therapy Assistant Education, Experience, and Licensure: None beyond
the basic requirements. GS-06 Physical Therapy Assistant
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at
least the next lower grade. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities: In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate
must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. GS-07 Physical Therapy Assistant Experience: One
year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower
grade. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to
the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the
following KSAs: 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. GS-08 Physical
Therapy Assistant (Full Performance) Experience: One year of
creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the
basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following
KSAs: 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. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, squatting,
bending, sitting, and changing from one position to another
frequently throughout the day. Requires good manual dexterity to
manipulate patients and equipment. According to the US Department
of Labor, the strength requirement of an physical therapist is
medium. Medium is defined as exerting (to lift, carry, push, pull
or otherwise move objects) 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently (2/3
of the time), and /or up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Must
have the ability to bend, lift, and assist with transfers. Must
have adequate physical strength to assist with resistive
activities. The full performance level of this position is GS-8
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:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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. VA may offer
newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related
non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service.
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. This job
opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that
have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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. Veterans
and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets
site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA,
career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching
and reintegration support for military service members. If you are
unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in
electronic form, view the following link for information regarding
an Alternate Application.
Keywords: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Vancouver , Physical Therapy Assistant, Other , Vancouver, Washington
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