Physical Therapy Assistant

Overview

The position is located in the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) in the Monroe VA Clinic in Monroe, Louisiana.

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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
• Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Language Proficiency: PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• 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
  • Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant
  • (a) Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements but 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 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 Licensure — 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
• 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:
  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 (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade
  • Demonstrated Knowledge,
    
    Skills and Abilities
    
    (KSAs):
  • Ability to independently implement treatment plans using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs
  • Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan
  • Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques to perform interventions and monitor progress
  • Ability to instruct patients on varied interventions and provide materials to enhance home program compliance; ability to modify treatment techniques based on learning needs and perceptions
  • Ability to identify critical changes (e.g., vital signs, pain, mobility, alertness) to determine medical and functional status
  • Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Acute Care/Outpatient Orthopedic experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation. See Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment:
  Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated
• However, the work environment…