About this role
Job SummaryThe position is responsible for direct patient care within Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Veterans with a variety of orthopedic, neurological, and systemic impairments. The Physical Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to provide services that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction.
QualificationsApplicants 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:(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. English Language Proficiency. [PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates GS 5 Experience. [None beyond the basic requirements.] GS 6 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: (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. GS 7 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 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. 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: Outpatient clinic experience, Acute Care experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Part II Appendix G23 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 5 to GS 8. Physical Requirements: This position requires frequent bending and lifting, and the ability to assist patients with a variety of therapeutic activities. Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics.
Major DutiesPositions or repositions patients using proper transfer devices (example transfer belt, sliding board) and procures assistance when necessary. Adjusts and issues assistive devices for ambulation and instructs patients in their use. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities (example ambulation, transfers, and bed mobility). Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to improve pulmonary function. Instructs patient in principles of cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary endurance. Instructs patients in proper gait patterns. Consistently displays appropriate respect, recognition and understanding of the patient in terms of their age/level and/or cultural background. The PTA is sensitive to any special needs that may come from age or culturally related factors. Modifies treatment approaches, within the scope of the established plan, to reflect patients' changing needs only with collaboration with evaluating PT. Other assigned duties Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.