The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is assigned to the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Section located in Fredericksburg Health Care Center (FxHCC) of the Central Virginia Health Care System (CVHCS). The PTA provides a full range of patient care services, education, and research. The physical therapy assistant at the GS-8 is assigned to provide professional, physical therapy services to any/all program areas that are covered by PM&R under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
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 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. Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant.(a) Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess state licensure, may be appointed, pending licensure, as a graduate PTA on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).(b) Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements.(c) Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained.(d) Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5: 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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 pre-determined 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 evidenced 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.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.
A. Clinical Functions Incumbent is a physical therapy assistant who performs at the full performance level and is appropriately licensed; he/she performs all duties under the oversight of a licensed physical therapist. The PTA is assigned varied caseload of patients, complex cases and is responsible for the management and maintenance of specialized physical therapy programs and regimens. The PTA independently provides varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established PT plan of care and administers a wide variety of evidence-based physical therapy procedures using exercise programs, mechanical traction, therapeutic massage, physical agents, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and electricity. Incumbent must possess advanced knowledge of treatment techniques to assess changes in physical, mental and/or medical status. He/she can identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Incumbent must possess advanced knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques to perform specified aspects of patient evaluations and interventions. Incumbent conducts thorough medical chart reviews and participates in the planning and implementation of complex treatment programs. He/she applies highly specialized physical therapy procedures, techniques, and interventions to patients. Incumbent modified treatment approaches, patient's treatment program in collaboration with and under the direction of Physical Therapist within the scope of the established plan to reflect patients changing needs. Any need to deviate from the Plan of Care is immediately communicated with the Physical Therapist of record and any changes directed by the Physical Therapist. Incumbent recognizes adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. The PTA monitors vital signs and observes patients during treatment, and compiles and evaluates data on patient's progress and response. PTA reports orally and in writing to the physical therapist. The PTA 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. PTA collaborates with the primary PT then draw upon a broad base of practical knowledge and a well-developed treatment skill set to reach pre-determined patient goals by independently modifying techniques within the established plan of care. Incumbent must coordinate several treatment approaches simultaneously to accomplish complex treatment objectives. B. Administrative Duties Incumbent is responsible for the care, upkeep, and sanitation of equipment in assigned work environment. Must organize and maintain clinical and administrative space to optimize safety, infection control and efficiency. Incumbent assesses equipment needs of the department and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Incumbent schedules his/her patients for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinates schedules with other members of the treatment team. Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients and unforeseen circumstances. Incumbent provides guidance and support to co-workers, students, and volunteers. Incumbent delegates duties to other support staff as appropriate. Incumbent complies with all policies regarding documentation and coding of patient care. Incumbent demonstrates knowledge of computer skills for completion of documentation and other responsibilities as required. Incumbent attends and participates in all mandatory departmental staff meetings and training sessions. Incumbent plans and presents in-service education programs, when requested to the PT section, PM&R staff, and other services, as appropriate. Maintains communication with Therapy Supervisor regarding equipment malfunctioning, depletion and request of supplies, suggestions for new programming, program and/or departmental improvement, problems with patients/families/peers. Incumbent performs all other related duties as assigned. C. Environmental Functions The PTA demonstrates awareness of safety hazards and seeks appropriate corrective action when indicated. The PTA assists in the establishment of clinic and practice safety guidelines impacting all Physical Therapy patients and programs when/as requested. The PTA adheres to infection control programs. The PTA transports patients, equipment, and supplies when necessary Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00 to 4:30 pm. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized