Physical Therapy Assistant

About the role

This 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.

Responsibilities

• Modifies and adapts therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
• Identifies and trains patients in the use of adaptive devices to promote maximum independence.
• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician.
• Plans and implements specialized treatment programs, some of which are for patients with complex medical problems and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Employees may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants to accommodate requests.
• Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice.
• Utilizes physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client. Independently implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.
• 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, etc.). This is done in consultation with a Physical Therapist.
• Able to verbalize the importance of correct patient identification, and the consequences of identification errors.
• Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs. Assists with the supervision and training of student physical therapy assistants, volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners.
• Reads and interprets written communication. Documents findings appropriately in the patients' records according to Medical Center and PM&RS policies.
• Utilizes complex therapeutic techniques and uses problem solving skills to maximize patient's functional status.
• Able to verbalize the importance of correct patient identification, and the consequences of identification errors.
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers and self. Reports to Lead Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment.

Requirements

The majority of duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within the medical center's outpatient and inpatient care areas. Occasionally, the PTA may assist in other areas associated with the physical therapy section of PM&RS as directed by the Supervisory Physical Therapist.

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: 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.
  • Languages 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;
  • (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.
  • (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:
  • Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-05: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
  • Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-6: Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade.
  • Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-7: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
  • Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8: Experience. One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• 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; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.