Physical Therapy Assistant
Functions:
Receives and interprets requests or instructions for physical therapy procedures. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants or technicians to accommodate requests. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patient's status. Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs within the scope of the physical therapy assessment. This may necessitate consultation with a physical therapist or physician Incumbent assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment Assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedures. Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage. Administers active and passive therapeutic exercise. Within the scope of the physical therapy assessment, the incumbent may fit, adjust and instruct patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. Varies procedures/interventions adjust for veterans' medical conditions. Modifies intervention, environment, tools, materials, and activities to accommodate each veteran's response to treatment. With prior approval of the therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs. Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran. Incumbent may be required to prepare and present written and oral reports for the physician, fellow therapists, clinic supervisor, and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. May participate in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, report on patient's goals and progress and to assist in planning patient's treatment program Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers and self. The incumbent coordinates appointments between patient and MSA through both telephone and in-person contact The incumbent will follow provider's instructions, and assist patients with scheduling preferences. The incumbent is responsible for the accurate and timely notification to MSA regarding rescheduling of cancelled appointments, appointments due to clinic cancellations, to ensure all affected patients are notified by phone if cancellations are the same day, next day or within two weeks. The incumbent provides all routine clinical activities under the general supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist. All therapy notes and generated by the assistant are reviewed and co-signed by a Licensed Physical Therapist. Customer Services:
Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Work Schedule:
Full Time-Nights and Weekends Tuesday-Saturday 8:
00am-4:
30pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Telework:
Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized EDRP--This position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program within VHA. If selected for this position, you must meet specific individual eligibility criteria in accordance with VHA policy 1021 and apply for EDRP within four (4) months of appointment. Final award amount and program start date is determined after review of a complete EDRP application and supporting documentation by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. If selected for this position, please contact the facility EDRP Coordinator. 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. Successful completion of an associate's 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 (CAPTE). English Language Proficiency. PTAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Preferred
Experience:
Previous or current experience with patient management in an acute care setting Previous or current experience with patient management in a long term care or skilled nursing setting Previous or current experience with patient management in an outpatient setting Experience using virtual care options to provide patient care including telephone or video based visits Experience working independently as the only physical therapy staff member onsite. (i.e. weekends shifts with minimal to no onsite supervision)Previous or current experience with patient management in an outpatient setting. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. (1) GS-4 (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to review patient data and make a preliminary determination of their needs. 2. Ability to obtain subjective history. 3. Ability to interpret information gained through subjective history. 4. Ability to communicate with health care providers, patients, and staff for optimal patient care (2) GS-5 (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 6 months of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. Experience may have been gained as an OTA, rehabilitation aide, technician, volunteer, or in the medical health services field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives. 2. Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory. 3. Skill in written communication to document preliminary data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. 4. Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communications. 5. Ability to assist in the use of standardized assessment tools to the area of practice assigned. (3) GS-6 (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of a variety of standardized assessment tools in order to provide a more comprehensive intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist. 2. Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients who have a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. 3. Ability to provide complex/multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual. 4. Ability to promote occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. (4) GS-7 (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to utilize more complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills, to maximize patient's functional status. 2. Ability to modify and adapt therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. 3. Ability to identify and recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as staff PTAs. This is the full performance level for the PTA. Assignments include:
service as an active team member in a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program such as geriatrics, amputee, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cardiac rehabilitation, aquatics, orthopedics, or wound care, etc.; prepare, provide, and supervise clinical training experiences for PTA students; and independently provide patient education to patients and their caregivers. References:
VA Handbook 5t005/15 Part II Appendix G23 Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-636 Veterans Health Administration March 17, 2006.The full performance level of this vacancy is 07.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 4,GS-7 Physical Requirements:
The work is active, requiring frequent position changes. The position requires walking, standing, kneeling, and moderate lifting/light carrying, under 15-44 pounds with occasional heavy lifting during mobility and ADL training. The incumbent will be required to move frequently throughout the facility by pushing for up to an hour, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hand and legs are required. Repeated bending up to 4 hours.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Receives and interprets requests or instructions for physical therapy procedures. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants or technicians to accommodate requests. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patient's status. Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs within the scope of the physical therapy assessment. This may necessitate consultation with a physical therapist or physician Incumbent assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment Assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedures. Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage. Administers active and passive therapeutic exercise. Within the scope of the physical therapy assessment, the incumbent may fit, adjust and instruct patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. Varies procedures/interventions adjust for veterans' medical conditions. Modifies intervention, environment, tools, materials, and activities to accommodate each veteran's response to treatment. With prior approval of the therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs. Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran. Incumbent may be required to prepare and present written and oral reports for the physician, fellow therapists, clinic supervisor, and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. May participate in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, report on patient's goals and progress and to assist in planning patient's treatment program Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers and self. The incumbent coordinates appointments between patient and MSA through both telephone and in-person contact The incumbent will follow provider's instructions, and assist patients with scheduling preferences. The incumbent is responsible for the accurate and timely notification to MSA regarding rescheduling of cancelled appointments, appointments due to clinic cancellations, to ensure all affected patients are notified by phone if cancellations are the same day, next day or within two weeks. The incumbent provides all routine clinical activities under the general supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist. All therapy notes and generated by the assistant are reviewed and co-signed by a Licensed Physical Therapist. Customer Services:
Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Work Schedule:
Full Time-Nights and Weekends Tuesday-Saturday 8:
00am-4:
30pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Telework:
Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized EDRP--This position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program within VHA. If selected for this position, you must meet specific individual eligibility criteria in accordance with VHA policy 1021 and apply for EDRP within four (4) months of appointment. Final award amount and program start date is determined after review of a complete EDRP application and supporting documentation by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. If selected for this position, please contact the facility EDRP Coordinator. 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. Successful completion of an associate's 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 (CAPTE). English Language Proficiency. PTAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Preferred
Experience:
Previous or current experience with patient management in an acute care setting Previous or current experience with patient management in a long term care or skilled nursing setting Previous or current experience with patient management in an outpatient setting Experience using virtual care options to provide patient care including telephone or video based visits Experience working independently as the only physical therapy staff member onsite. (i.e. weekends shifts with minimal to no onsite supervision)Previous or current experience with patient management in an outpatient setting. Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. (1) GS-4 (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to review patient data and make a preliminary determination of their needs. 2. Ability to obtain subjective history. 3. Ability to interpret information gained through subjective history. 4. Ability to communicate with health care providers, patients, and staff for optimal patient care (2) GS-5 (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 6 months of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. Experience may have been gained as an OTA, rehabilitation aide, technician, volunteer, or in the medical health services field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives. 2. Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory. 3. Skill in written communication to document preliminary data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. 4. Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communications. 5. Ability to assist in the use of standardized assessment tools to the area of practice assigned. (3) GS-6 (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of a variety of standardized assessment tools in order to provide a more comprehensive intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist. 2. Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients who have a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. 3. Ability to provide complex/multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual. 4. Ability to promote occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. (4) GS-7 (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to utilize more complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills, to maximize patient's functional status. 2. Ability to modify and adapt therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. 3. Ability to identify and recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as staff PTAs. This is the full performance level for the PTA. Assignments include:
service as an active team member in a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program such as geriatrics, amputee, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cardiac rehabilitation, aquatics, orthopedics, or wound care, etc.; prepare, provide, and supervise clinical training experiences for PTA students; and independently provide patient education to patients and their caregivers. References:
VA Handbook 5t005/15 Part II Appendix G23 Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-636 Veterans Health Administration March 17, 2006.The full performance level of this vacancy is 07.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 4,GS-7 Physical Requirements:
The work is active, requiring frequent position changes. The position requires walking, standing, kneeling, and moderate lifting/light carrying, under 15-44 pounds with occasional heavy lifting during mobility and ADL training. The incumbent will be required to move frequently throughout the facility by pushing for up to an hour, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hand and legs are required. Repeated bending up to 4 hours.
- Department:
0636 Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant - Salary Range:
$31,208 to $56,222 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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