Summary

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 and spends a majority of their time treating assigned patients as a float in various section of PT department such as: Inpatient Rehab - Acute Care - and Outpatient. PTA treats a variety of highly complex diagnoses across the continuum of care utilizing specialized treatment tools and procedures as outlined in POC.

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: For this position you must meet at least one of the educational 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: 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 Determination: GS-08: In addition to meeting the basic requirements for appointment - candidate must have at least one (1) year of physical therapy assistant experience comparable to the GS-07 grade level in Federal Service
• Creditable experience includes but not limited to: Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by the treating Physical Therapist (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 plan
• They provide clinical direction for PTA students
• And In addition to meeting the basic requirements - the Candidates must also demonstrate the Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs) below: (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
• References: VA Handbook 5005/139 - Part II - Appendix G23
• Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0636
• 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.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to: Clinic Treatment PTA is assigned a varied caseload of patients from medical - surgical - orthopedic - PM&R - neurology - NHCU - psychiatry - ICU - ED - Polytrauma - Amputees - outpatients and employees
• PTA demonstrates an ability to assess patient's medical condition through chart review
• Can work effectively in any of our Specialty Centers (ICU - Spinal Cord Injury and Disease - Polytrauma - and Cardiothoracic care) with complex cases
• Works with clients with cognitive disorders such as confusion - poor motor coordination - memory deficits - identity confusion and poor judgement
• Administers a wide variety of evidence-based physical therapy procedures through the use of exercise programs - mechanical traction therapeutic massage - heat - cold - ultrasound - hydrotherapy - and electricity
• Independently provides 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)
• Can measure - adjust and instruct in care and use of crutches - canes - walkers - and wheelchairs
• Instructs and assists patients in improving pulmonary function and in learning and improving functional activities - gait training - transfers - daily living activities - and in the use of and care of prostheses and orthoses
• Performs - without interpretation - selected measurement procedures such as range of joint motion - gross strength of muscles groups - length and girth of body parts
• Can modify patient's treatment program in collaboration with and under the direction of Physical Therapist within the limits specified in the care plan outlined by the Physical Therapist
• Any need to deviate from the Plan of Care is immediately communicated with the Physical Therapist of record and any changes directed by Physical Therapist
• Has knowledge and understanding of adverse reactions to treatment
• Monitors vital signs and observes patients during treatment - and compiles and evaluates data on patient's progress and response
• PTA reports orally or in writing to physical therapist
• Maintains attendance records on assigned patients
• Assists with maintaining department by performing various tasks - such as taking inventory - ordering supplies - compiling statistics and computer data entry for patient scheduling
• May assist in the management of and/or responsibility for a specialty program
• May assist in leading a group of employees and communicates information regarding work assignments and scheduling
• Can instruct students and manage affiliate PTA students under the direction of the Physical Therapy Center Continuing Education Coordinator and assigned Licensed PT
• Ward Treatment The physical therapist assistant assigned at the Richmond CVVHS is assigned a varied caseload
• He/she assists the therapist in the treatment of often critically ill patients
• Has the proper skills and knowledge to recognize special precautions for mobilizing patients that have been bedridden for prolonged periods of time
• Assists in monitoring the patient's vital signs (HR - BP - RR) and assists to restore abnormal alterations to normal parameters in accordance with established procedures/protocols/practices
• Documents changes orally and written in progress notes
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required