• Job Description

  Req#: 764385400
  This position is organizationally located at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rehabilitation Services Division, and Outpatient Therapy Section. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the general supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) to provide services that promote the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction.
  
  
  Duties
  
  
  
  
  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: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
  
  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 Requirement - Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
  
  Education - (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.
  
  Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
  
  Physical Therapy Assistant GS-8
  
  Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
  
  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.
  
  References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23, Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard
  
  Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  

• 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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