About the Position: Serves as Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in the Directorate of Surgery - Orthopedic Surgery; Department of Rehabilitation. Performs a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection to perform specific aspects of evaluations and interventions. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation
Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education/experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Licensure/Certification: A current, active, valid, and unrestricted license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant from a state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States is required. (Note: You must attach a copy of your current, active, valid, and unrestricted license or certification.) Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) implementing physical therapy treatment plans, and 2) instructing on physical therapy programs, and 3) providing status reports. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05). OR Education: A half year (i.e., 9 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 9. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
Performs a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection.
Under the direction of the Physical Therapist, plans, coordinates, and administers diverse physical therapy programs.
Utilizes the various modalities of physical therapy, as prescribed, to include diathermy, hydrotherapy, massage, electrotherapy, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise.
Provides updated status in patient progress reports, as well as other administrative reports.
Ensures treatment plan is designed to maximize results in promotion of healing and pain relief while ultimately improving the patient’s functional independence.
Instructs and reviews all home program precautions and contraindications with patients and family members on use and application of physical modalities for home environment.
Exercises responsibility for the comfort and well-being of patients.
Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient’s rehabilitation and reintegration needs.