Physical Therapy Assistant

Company: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Location: Vancouver
Posted on: August 3, 2022

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