Physical Therapy Assistant Job in San Diego, CA

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The SCI Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), (GS-8) is the above the full performance level for the (PTA). Provides assessment and treatment intervention for patients with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D), who have a variety of deficits including complete or incomplete paralysis of upper and lower extremities and the associated problems which paralysis affects. The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a PT.

Major Duties includes but not limited to:

• Under the clinical supervision of a PT, plans, integrates, and communicates comprehensive physical therapy treatments for patients with SCI/D who have a variety of deficits including complete or incomplete paralysis of upper lower extremities with the associated medical and functional problems. Therapeutic objectives are complex, and the treatment procedures involved require the application of highly specialized skills and knowledge.
• Develops and implements individualized physical therapy treatments including resistive exercises, passive and active range of motion, functional mobility training, postural training, transfer training, etc., for acute and chronic, inpatient and outpatient spinal cord injured patients.
• Recognizes and considers the various interacting medical and psychosocial variables, which affect the individual with SCI/D when preparing a treatment plan and motivate the patient to become an active participant in their rehabilitation process.
• Monitors patient progress and modifies treatments as necessary according to an ongoing evaluation process, in order to optimize patient condition and allow patient to reach the goals established in conjunction with team. Factors include medical and functional status, psychosocial variables, patient needs and goals, and available treatment modalities.
• Assists PT's in home evaluations, mobility evaluations, gait and transfer evaluations, activities of daily living evaluations and equipment evaluations.
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities that are required for a Lead PTA. Advanced knowledge of treatment techniques in order to assess changes in physical, mental, and /or medical knowledge of treatment techniques in order to assess changes in physical, mental, and /or medical status . Determines if a patient is oriented x 4 (name, place, date and their situation) checking patient blood pressure, loss of normal strength, sign of early fatigue secondary to under or over medication or deconditioning. Able to work with PT's to progress patient within PT treatment plan.
• Advanced knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specified aspects of patient evaluations and interventions. Evaluates patient position and technique when performing therapy exercises. Instructs patient in the correct and proper way of performing transfers, wheelchair management and using gym equipment.
• Skills to manage and/or maintain responsibility for a specialty program. Trains patients on highly specialized therapy equipment at the SCI Center, including the Lokomat, Alter G treadmill, Bioness, and Functional Electrical Stimulation bike. Conduct research on the specialized equipment and communicate closely with vendors to ensure receipt of updates to the equipment. Provides staff with periodic training on the specialized equipment to ensure they remain familiar with the complex equipment.
• Screen, advise, and assist Veterans through the physical therapy regimen. Adapts and adjusts physical therapy procedures as needed.
• Provides in-services to the SCI staff and other hospital personnel on SCI PTA evaluation and treatment procedures. Provides education and training to family members, caregivers, and significant others in areas of PTA.
• Remains current with new developments in SCI physical therapy and will maintain professional competency by reading professional journals and engaging in continuing education activities and professional learning experiences, and by communicating with other professionals.
• Monitors equipment used by the patients to ensure the equipment is functioning maximally and properly calibrated to give accurate measures and ensure patient safety.
• Maintains Basic Life Support certification with no lapse.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

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 06/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12742268.

1. 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.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

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.