Physical Therapy Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) for Central Virginia VA Health Systems. This role involves treating complex patients across multiple PT department sections. Candidates must have relevant educational qualifications, licensure, and experience in an acute care setting.

Qualifications

• Active PTA license in a U.S. State or Territory.
• 1 year experience comparable to GS-07 in Federal Service.
• Experience in acute care setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in patient care and support the physical therapy team.
• Treat assigned patients across various PT areas.
• Utilize specialized treatment tools and procedures.

Skills

Independent implementation of treatment plans

Assessment of patient progress

Modification of treatments

Collaboration with healthcare team

Education

Associate degree in physical therapy assistant program

Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant programs

Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs

Job description

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in this assignment typically works at Central Virginia VA Health Systems in Richmond, VA, a Complexity Level 1A (High Complexity) medical center. The PTA spends most of their time treating assigned patients as a float across various sections of the PT department, such as: Inpatient Rehab, Acute Care, and Outpatient. The PTA treats a variety of highly complex diagnoses across the continuum of care, utilizing specialized treatment tools and procedures as outlined in the POC.

Duties

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting in patient care and supporting the physical therapy team.

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Must meet at least one of the following:
  • Associate degree from an accredited institution in a physical therapy assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
  • Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs meeting the educational requirements and having passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
  • Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs meeting the educational requirements and having passed the NPTE.
• Licensure: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a PTA in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• Grade Determination (GS-08): At least 1 year of experience comparable to GS-07 in Federal Service, including independent implementation of treatment plans, providing varied interventions, and working under general supervision of PTs.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Demonstrated ability to independently implement treatment plans, provide multifaceted interventions, assess patient progress, instruct patients, modify treatments, recognize critical changes, and collaborate with healthcare team.

References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of experience in an acute care setting treating patients post orthopedic & cardiac surgeries, amputations, and general debilitation.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.