Summary
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in this assignment typically works at Central Virginia VA Health Systems (CVVHS) in Richmond, VA, a Complexity Level 1A (High Complexity) medical center and spends a majority of his/her time treating patients in area assigned treating patients in Inpatient/Acute care. PTA treats a variety of highly complex diagnoses across the continuum of care utilizing specialized treatment tools and procedures as outlined in POC.
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Clinic Treatment
- PTA is assigned a varied caseload of patients from medical, surgical, orthopedic, PM&R, neurology, NHCU, psychiatry, ICU, ED, Polytrauma, Amputees, outpatients and employees. PTA demonstrates an ability to assess patient's medical condition through chart review.
- Can work effectively in any of our Specialty Centers (ICU, Spinal Cord Injury and Disease, Polytrauma, and Cardiothoracic care) with complex cases. Works with clients with cognitive disorders such as confusion, poor motor coordination, memory deficits, identity confusion and poor judgement.
- Administers a wide variety of evidence-based physical therapy procedures through the use of exercise programs, mechanical traction therapeutic massage, heat, cold, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and electricity.
- Independently provides 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).
- Can measure, adjust and instruct in care and use of crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
- Instructs and assists patients in improving pulmonary function and in learning and improving functional activities - gait training, transfers, daily living activities - and in the use of and care of prostheses and orthoses.
- Performs, without interpretation, selected measurement procedures such as range of joint motion, gross strength of muscles groups, length and girth of body parts.
- Can modify patient's treatment program in collaboration with and under the direction of Physical Therapist within the limits specified in the care plan outlined by the Physical Therapist. Any need to deviate from the Plan of Care is immediately communicated with the Physical Therapist of record and any changes directed by Physical Therapist. Has knowledge and understanding of adverse reactions to treatment. Monitors vital signs and observes patients during treatment, and compiles and evaluates data on patient's progress and response. PTA reports orally or in writing to physical therapist.
- Maintains attendance records on assigned patients. Assists with maintaining department by performing various tasks, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, compiling statistics and computer data entry for patient scheduling.
- May assist in the management of and/or responsibility for a specialty program.
- May assist in leading a group of employees and communicates information regarding work assignments and scheduling.
- Can instruct students and manage affiliate PTA students under the direction of the Physical Therapy Center Continuing Education Coordinator and assigned Licensed PT.
- Ward Treatment
- The physical therapist assistant assigned at the Richmond CVVHS is assigned a varied caseload. He/she assists the therapist in the treatment of often critically ill patients.
- Has the proper skills and knowledge to recognize special precautions for mobilizing patients that have been bedridden for prolonged periods of time.
- Assists in monitoring the patient's vital signs (HR, BP, RR) and assists to restore abnormal alterations to normal parameters in accordance with established procedures/protocols/practices.
- Documents changes orally and written in progress notes.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You 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.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- 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).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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.
Education: For this position you must meet at least one of the educational requirements below.
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.
Grade Determination: GS-08:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements for appointment, candidate must have at least one (1) year of physical therapy assistant experience comparable to the GS-07 grade level in Federal Service. Creditable experience includes but not limited to: Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by the treating Physical Therapist (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.
And-
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the Candidates must also demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below:
(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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23. Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0636.
Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of experience in an acute care setting treating patients post orthopedic & cardiac surgeries, amputations, and general debilitation.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting 50 pounds and over. Use of fingers, both hands required, reaching above shoulder, walking (8 hours), Standing (8 Hours) Both legs required (1 prosthetic), Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in other. Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (Aid permitted) and mental and emotional stability.
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.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Physical Therapy Assistant Licensure
- Misc.
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/11/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12442601.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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