Physical Therapy Assistant

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:

• 1.The PTA independently accesses, reviews, and prioritizes the day's caseload. The PTA completes necessary planning to ensure all direct and indirect patient care needs are met.
• 2.The PTA independently performs an in-depth chart review and determines appropriateness of care provision based on medical status, pain, mobility, and other physical and psycho social factors. The PTA independently completes tasks related to need to hold, reschedule, or rearrange care and discusses changes to the care plan with the PT.
• 3.The PTA independently implements the treatment plan, using knowledge of patient individual disability and needs to provide a broad range of varied interventions based on the established care plan.
• 4.The PTA independently utilizes basic and advanced interventions for complex and non-complex patients, including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, therapeutic neuroscience education, manual therapy, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training.
• 5.The PTA independently and continually reassesses and administers clinical outcome measures to monitor progress.
• 6.The PTA independently applies broad practical, clinical, and interventional knowledge and skills to modify techniques and advance the program within the established plan of care to reach pre-determined patient goals.
• 7. The PTA collaborates with PTs and other staff to discuss patient status and progress, and provides recommendations to modify the treatment plan, including discharge.
• 8. The PTA receives clinical guidance from the PT for the most complex patient cases or treatments
• 9. The PTA discontinues or reduces the intensity of the intervention in the event of a non-urgent adverse response, including but not limited to excessive fatigue and abnormal increase in pain. Modifies treatment independently based on patients' tolerance.
• 10. The PTA independently motivates patients toward completion of interventions and greater independence.
• 11. Treats patients with various diagnoses with low and highest complexity presentations, including but not limited to COPD, amputation, CVA, Parkinson's disease, MS, brain injury, pneumonia, fractures, joint replacements, cardiac disease, CHF, dementia, cancer, falls, visual impairment, wounds, pain, hearing impairment, and behavior health diagnoses.
• 12. Independently educates patients with complex learning barriers to learning in home programs and independent exercise programs. Performs this duty by using simple and advanced educational methods including demonstration, verbal and written instructions, and reverse demonstration. Independently assesses the response to and effectiveness of education and changes educational methods to achieve maximum effect as directed.
• 13. Complies with Standard Precautions and Infection Control principles in daily work. Performs this duty by knowing and following each patient's infectious status and taking appropriate precautions.
• 14. May assume responsibility for clinic maintenance. Performs this duty by restocking linens; restocking supplies; cleaning treatment areas between each patient's use; keeping maintenance checklists up to date; ensuring that equipment is clean and ready for use; and other duties related to clinic maintenance.
• 15. May monitor clinic supplies as needed to ensure adherence to local policy. Performs this duty by routinely checking for expired products; ensuring that flammable products are kept in the fire cabinet; and, ensuring that all hazardous items are included on the MSDS. Maintains the MSDS as directed by supervisor.
• 16. Performs annual equipment inventory as directed. Performs this duty by performing bar code scanning per Logistics policy, editing the hardcopy EIL as necessary, and notifying the supervisor of missing items.
• 17. Performs clerical and scheduling duties as assigned.
• 18. Remains current of departmental happenings. Performs this duty by regularly checking e-mail and attending department meetings and in-services.
• 19. Furthers professional growth and development. Performs this duty by completing all mandatory training and competencies.
• 20. Independently collects and reports functional outcomes as directed. Performs this duty by administering the appropriate functional scale at admission, d/c, and necessary intervals. Documents the score obtained from the functional scale in necessary documentation. Submits the score for entry into the database
• 21. Provides clinical direction for PTA students.

Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 0000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• 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 identification 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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. 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
  • (2) [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.

Grade Determinations: Physical Therapy Assistant, 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.

Preferred Experience:

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.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute,

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Transcript

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (VA)
• License
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Other (1)
• 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.

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