Physical Therapy Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) at the GS-8 level in Idaho. This role emphasizes independent execution of treatment plans, patient assessment, and data-driven progress monitoring for a broad range of patients.

Candidates must meet education and licensure requirements and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team. The position involves modifying therapies, instructing home programs, and coordinating care with PTs to ensure optimal outcomes for

Qualifications

• Associate degree from PTA program accredited by CAPTE or equivalent.
• Must pass NPTE for PTAs or be eligible for licensure.
• Experience with diverse patient populations preferable.

Responsibilities

• Independently implement treatment plans for low- to high-complexity patients.
• Conduct ongoing patient assessment and modify plans as needed.
• Collect data and monitor progress using objective measures.
• Instruct patients on home programs and ensure adherence.
• Coordinate with PTs and healthcare team for discharge planning.

Skills

Independent planning of treatment

Clinical assessment

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Data collection & outcome tracking

Education

Associate degree PTA program (ACET)

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNED DUTIES

Nature, Purpose, and Location of Work: This GS-8 PTA serves in a full performance-level position, drawing upon a broad base of practical knowledge and wide-ranging clinical skills in the care of low- to high-complexity patients toward reaching pre-determined goals. The PTA demonstrates independence with implementing treatment plans, treatment modification, ongoing patient assessment, and use of objective measures and clinical outcome data.

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,