Physical Therapy Assistant

U.S. Department of Defense; Fort Leavenworth (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Defense is hiring a Physical Therapy Assistant for its Fort Leavenworth facility. The role requires an unrestricted license and the ability to perform complex therapy duties, ensuring patient care and rehabilitation. Candidates should also be prepared for moderate lifting and must maintain BLS certification.

Benefits

Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized

Student Loan repayment may be authorized

Salary negotiation may be available

Qualifications

• Must have an unrestricted state license as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Experience implementing treatment plans.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate physical therapy programs under a licensed Physical Therapist.
• Instruct patients on home program precautions and usage of modalities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on rehabilitation programs.

Skills

Physical Therapy

Collaboration

Patient Instruction

Data Collection

Education

Graduate level education in Physical Therapy or related field

Job description

About the Position: This position is located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized.
• Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.
• Student Loan repayment may be authorized.

Highly Preferred - An unrestricted license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant from a state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States.
Duties

• Perform a wide range of complex Physical Therapy Assistant duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection.
• Under the direction of the Physical Therapist plans, coordinates, and administers diverse physical therapy programs.
• Instruct and review all home program precautions and contraindications with patients and family members on use and application of physical modalities for home environment.
• Ensure treatment plan is designed to maximize results in promotion of healing and pain relief while ultimately improving the patient’s functional independence.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient’s rehabilitation and reintegration needs.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis.
• Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• Moderate to heavy lifting up to 45 pounds may be required.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• Applicants must be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for a Physical Therapy Assistant:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes implementing physical therapy treatment plans or instructing on physical therapy programs. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).

OR

Education: A half year (i.e., 9 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Physical Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 9. Add the two percentages. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.