Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Summary Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in this assignment typically works at Central Virginia VA Health Systems (CVVHS) in Richmond, VA, a Complexity Level 1A (High Complexity) medical center and spends a majority of his / her time treating patients in area assigned at a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). PTA treats a variety of highly complex diagnoses across the continuum of care utilizing specialized treatment tools and procedures. Responsibilities duties include but are not limited to :

Clinic Treatment PTA is assigned a varied caseload of patients from medical, surgical, PM&R, neurology, NHCU, psychiatry, SCI wards, 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 (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

Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background / security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.

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 : Individuals must meet at least one of the 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. English Language Proficiency : Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5 : None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6 : Experience : One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : (a) Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice. (b) Ability to perform physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care. (c) Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients' changing needs. (d) Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas.

GS-7 : Experience : One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : (a) Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans. (b) Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases. (c) Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice. (d) Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan.

GS-8 : Experience : One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. 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.

Preferred Experience : Applicants with experience in Outpatient Orthopedics is preferred.