Physical Therapy Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant is assigned to the Physical Therapy Department within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the W.G. "Bill" Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salisbury - NC. The Physical Therapist Assistant works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to provide services that promote the prevention - remediation - and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction.

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Education. Individuals must meet at least one of the following requirements: (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. (1) Exception for Non-Licensed PTA. (a) Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements - but who do not possess state licensure - may be appointed - pending licensure - as a graduate PTA on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7401(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) (b) Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (c) Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e) Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases - non-licensed PTAs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment - the supervisor will provide the non-licensed PTA with the written requirements for licensure - including the time by which the license must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to obtain licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f). (2) Loss of Credential. A PTA who fails to maintain the required licensure must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Preferred Experience: 3 years of experience as a PTA in an outpatient setting Grade Determinations GS-8 Experience.1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities. In addition to the experience above - 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. GS-8 - Must possess Physical Therapy Assistant Licensure The full performance level of this position is GS-8.

• Establishes and maintains contact with other key staff involved in patient care via written - telephone and personal communication on regular basis at VA Medical Center and VISN level Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist 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
• This is done in consultation with a physical therapist or physician Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals 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 non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise Fits - adjusts - and instructs patients in use of orthoses - prostheses - and mobility appliances Varies procedures or positions to adjust for veterans' medical conditions Modifies intervention environment - tools - materials - and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the ward physician - physiatrist - nursing staff - fellow therapists and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment - safety checks - cleaning - stocking - etc Demonstrates and maintains full competency in the use - pre-cleaning and/or reprocessing of reusable medical equipment Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs Completes the Minimum Data Set (MDS) or Functional Independence Measure (FIM) as required by policy Performs other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized