• Job Description

  Req#: 835823800
  This position is located in the Physical Therapy (PT) Clinic at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, but may also include Community Based Outpatient Clinics or in a Veteran's home. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service which would include the Phoenix VAMC, Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and in veteran's homes. Individuals at this grade level serve as a staff Physical Therapy Assistant.
  
  
  
  
  
  Duties
  
  
  Major duties include but are not limited to:
  
  
  Requirements
  
  
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  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.
  • Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below:
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  • English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
  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: GS-8
  Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled.
  
  In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1. Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.
  2. 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.).
  3. 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.
  4. Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs.
  5. Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient.
  6. Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.
  7. 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: 3 or greater years working with Physical Therapy Patient population. This includes experience in outpatient and inpatient settings with multiple Neurological conditions, including but not limited to Parkinsons, CVA (Acute/Chronic), TBI/Poly Trauma, MS, ALS, Vestibular and neuropathy and cancer in addition to orthopedic conditions, pain management and general medical rehabilitation.
  
  Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
  
  The full performance level of this vacancy is a 8.
  
  Physical Requirements: The incumbent of the position will meet and maintain physical and drug test program requirements for the position as required. There will be periods of walking and ambulating patients, providing patient transfers, some lifting of 35 pounds and supporting patients.

• About the company

  The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet-level executive branch department of the federal government charged with integrating life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country.

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