Physical Therapy Assistant - In/Outpatient

Summary

Provides support to the Physical Therapy department under the direction of the Physical Therapists in an in/outpatient care setting. Provides treatment that promotes the prevention - remediation - and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. The PTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist - but must be able to carry out a general treatment plan without the direct involvement of a Physical Therapist.

Qualifications

***This is an open continuous announcement until February 27 - 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. ***

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)
• To qualify for appointment to this position - all applicants must possess the following: 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: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 3 - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: This position requires frequent bending and lifting - and the ability to assist patients with a variety of therapeutic activities
• Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  
  

Duties

• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician
• 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 or physician
• 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 including heat - cold - ultrasound - electricity - and massage
• Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise
• Fits - adjusts - and instructs patients in the use of orthoses - prostheses - and mobility appliances
• 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
• Adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs with prior approval from the therapist
• Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran
• Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharge planning in concert with the Physical Therapist and Medical Center staff
• Seeks clarification - listens and conveys information clearly - in written and verbal forms
• Investigates and responds appropriately to all complaints and takes effective corrective action when necessary
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with patients and members of the organization
• Communicates effectively with our primary population of geriatric veterans/families - and recognizes/reports potential cases of patient abuse
• Demonstrates tact - courtesy and a positive approach to communication and interaction with other employees - visitors - physicians - and the public
• Presents the Program - Service - and Medical Center in a positive manner
• Maintains confidentiality of patient medical records according to established policy
• Follows the Standards of Ethical Conduct as defined in Medical Center Memorandums - and follows applicable regulations and laws as per the Compliance Program
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment - safety checks - cleaning - stocking - etc
• Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients - co-workers and self
• Reports to supervisory Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment
• Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs
• Assists with the supervision and training of student physical therapy assistants - volunteers - work students and other healthcare practitioners
• Consults with staff and physicians through patient presentations - attendance at interdisciplinary patient care conferences and/or specialty clinics
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 54412A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized