Physical Therapy Assistant

Full Job Description

This position is aligned under the Physical Therapy section of the Memphis Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS).

This position requires an individual who is highly skilled and competent in order to function.

The Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction.

Applicants 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. English Language Proficiency.

PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.

§ 7403(f) Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: (Must provide copy of transcript) 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~ 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.

(e) Failure to Obtain Licensure Failure to obtain licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment.

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).

Experience Grade Determinations: Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-08-One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-7.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.

Grade Determinations: GS-08 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-08 Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Straight pulling (<1 hour); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (3 hours); Kneeling (<1 hour); Repeated bending (<1 hour); Climbing, legs only (<1 hour); Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental & emotional stability.

Major Duties:

The PTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist.

The PTA also conducts educational programs to support the needs of patients in both rehabilitation and various other programs within the facility.

The duties and responsibilities of the position are carried out within the facility including clinical, administrative and patient care areas associated with PM&RS.

the incumbent's duties include, but are not limited to: Performs appropriate cleansing and re-processing of reusable medical equipment in compliance with VHA directives and SOPs.

Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the Physical Therapist.

Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist.

Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patient's status.

Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs.

This is done in consultation with a Physical Therapist. Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals.

Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities.

Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment. Assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedures.

Utilizes the full range of modalities. Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise. Fits, adjusts and instructs patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility devices.

Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities.

Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for veterans' medical conditions.

Modifies intervention environment, tools, materials, and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment.

With prior approval of the Physical Therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs.

Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran.

Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 51163-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized