Physical Therapy Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant (GS-08) for the Fresno VA PM&RS.

The PTA provides treatment to promote prevention, remediation, and rehab of physical and psychosocial dysfunction under supervision, with a focus on inpatient and rehab settings. Applicants may be referred if pending licensure; non-licensed individuals work under supervision and may be appointed temporarily until licensure is obtained.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• English language proficiency.
• One year of experience equivalent to GS-7.
• Ability to independently implement and modify PT plans.
• Ability to work with PTs and interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide treatment that promotes prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of physical dysfunction.
• Instruct patients and monitor progress, adjusting plans as needed.
• Collaborate with PTs and healthcare team for planning and discharge.
• Apply varied interventions based on patient needs and care plans.

Skills

Treatment planning

Therapy interventions

Data collection

Patient instruction

Adaptation of techniques

Vital signs monitoring

Team collaboration

Job description

This position is aligned under the Physical Therapy section of the Fresno VA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS). This position requires an individual who is highly skilled and competent in order to function. The Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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)

Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

(a) 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 intermittent 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). (b) Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (c) Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained. (e) Failure to Obtain Licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-08-

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-7.

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

Candidate has to have 1 year of direct patient care experience, preferably inpatient or short term rehab 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-08.

Physical Requirements

Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Straight pulling (<1 hour); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (3 hours); Kneeling (<1 hour); Repeated bending (<1 hour); Climbing, legs only (<1 hour); Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13\" to 16\" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental & emotional stability.