Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) position is located in the Physical Therapy Section of the PM&R in North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. The position is responsible for direct patient care within PM&R of Veterans with a variety of orthopedic, neurological, and systemic impairments. The PTA works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT) to provide services that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction.

Duties

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Duties include, but are not limited to:

Administers Patient Treatment:

Positions or repositions patients using proper transfer devices (example transfer belt, sliding board) and procures assistance when necessary

Adjusts and issues assistive devices for ambulation and instructs patients in their use.

Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities (example ambulation, transfers, and bed mobility).

Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to improve pulmonary function.

Instructs patient in principles of cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary endurance.

Instructs patients in proper gait patterns.

Consistently displays appropriate respect, recognition and understanding of the patient in terms of their age/level and/or cultural background.

The PTA is sensitive to any special needs that may come from age or culturally related factors.

Modifies treatment approaches, within the scope of the established plan, to reflect patients' changing needs only with collaboration with evaluating PT.

Implements and coordinates intervention plan, under the supervision of an PT, in the following sensorimotor areas:

Range of motion

Muscles strength

Gross motor coordination.

Endurance

Postural balance.

Tactile awareness

Energy Conservation

Joint protect

Positioning

Evaluating vital signs

Fitness and Lifestyle

Coordinates/Interfaces with Others:

Coordinates intervention plans with other members of the treatment team.

Will communicate effectively with peers, health professional and volunteers.

Interacts effectively with patients, families and/or significant others.

Maintains adaptability (will adapt to change in a professional manner).Cooperates well with other staff, physicians.

Facilitates and maintains a positive working relationship and facilitates a cooperative work environment.

Displays honesty and mutual respect when communicating with peers and other services

Facilitates solutions on problems that may compromise patient care by using appropriate chain of command.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 51212F, 51213F, 51214F, 51215F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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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 trial 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.
• 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).
  
  

Qualifications

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C.

• 7407(a).
  
  

English Language Proficiency. Be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.

• 7403(f).
  
  

Education-Transcripts Submitted. Individuals must meet at least one of the 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-Submit if Applicable . 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.

• 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).
• Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
• Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained.(d) Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  
  

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation

Grade Determinations-Physical Therapy Assistant:

GS-05 Experience. None Beyond The Basic Requirements.

Assignment. This is the entry level developmental position. PTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require general clinical [direction] by the treating physical therapist. The [treating] physical therapist is available on a regularly scheduled basis to review the practice of the PTAs and support the PTAs in the performance of their services. PTAs perform preliminary chart reviews including medical history and contraindications for treatment. They treat patients through basic exercise, massage, gait and balance training and other therapeutic interventions. PTAs recommend changes in treatment based on changes in physical, mental and/or medical status of the patient. PTAs instruct, motivate and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities.

GS-6 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice.
• Ability to perform] physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care.
• Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients' changing needs.
• Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas.
  
  

Assignment. PTAs at this grade level serve [in developmental positions under general direction from PTs. They receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require general clinical direction by the treating physical therapist. PTAs develop a broad base of practical knowledge to assist the PT in reaching pre-determined patient goals.

GS-7 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:

• Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans.
• Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases.
• Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice.
• Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan.
  
  

Assignment. This is a developmental level for PTAs. PTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by treating 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 plans. They provide clinical direction for PTA students.

GS-8Experience. 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:

• Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.
• 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.).
• 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.
• Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs.
• Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient.
• 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.
  
  

Assignment. This is considered the journey level for PTAs. PTAs at this level collaborate with the primary PT then draw upon a broad base of practical knowledge and a well-developed treatment skill set in order to reach pre- determined patient goals by independently modifying techniques within the established plan of care. They implement the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. They provide evidence based skilled interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, therapeutic modalities, gait training, transfer training, manual treatment, neuromuscular re-education, self-care and management training, patient/caregiver's education and group therapy. They meet with the physical therapy staff and other healthcare team members to evaluate and discuss patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.



Preferred Experience: Lymphedema, cancer, Woman's health experience.



Reference: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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