Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNED DUTIES Nature - Purpose - and Location of Work: This GS-8 PTA serves in a full performance-level position - drawing upon a broad base of practical knowledge and wide-ranging clinical skills in the care of low- to high-complexity patients toward reaching pre-determined goals. The PTA demonstrates independence with implementing treatment plans - treatment modification - ongoing patient assessment - and use of objective measures and clinical outcome data. 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 PolicyEducationIndividuals 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 EducationOR (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 PTAsOR (3) Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs.] LicensureCurrent - full - active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.ePuerto Rico) of the United States - or District of ColumbiaGrade Determinations: Physical Therapy Assistant - 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.gvital 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 planningPreferred Experience: Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examinationExceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned dutiesExaminations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy - regulation - or statute - Duties FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: 1.The PTA independently accesses - reviews - and prioritizes the day's caseloadThe PTA completes necessary planning to ensure all direct and indirect patient care needs are met2.The PTA independently performs an in-depth chart review and determines appropriateness of care provision based on medical status - pain - mobility - and other physical and psycho social factorsThe PTA independently completes tasks related to need to hold - reschedule - or rearrange care and discusses changes to the care plan with the PT3.The PTA independently implements the treatment plan - using knowledge of patient individual disability and needs to provide a broad range of varied interventions based on the established care plan4.The PTA independently utilizes basic and advanced interventions for complex and non-complex patients - including but not limited to therapeutic exercise - balance - body mechanics - therapeutic neuroscience education - manual therapy - flexibility - strength - gait training - neuromotor development - physical agents - functional training5.The PTA independently and continually reassesses and administers clinical outcome measures to monitor progress6.The PTA independently applies broad practical - clinical - and interventional knowledge and skills to modify techniques and advance the program within the established plan of care to reach pre-determined patient goals7The PTA collaborates with PTs and other staff to discuss patient status and progress - and provides recommendations to modify the treatment plan - including discharge8The PTA receives clinical guidance from the PT for the most complex patient cases or treatments 9The PTA discontinues or reduces the intensity of the intervention in the event of a non-urgent adverse response - including but not limited to excessive fatigue and abnormal increase in painModifies treatment independently based on patients' tolerance10The PTA independently motivates patients toward completion of interventions and greater independence11Treats patients with various diagnoses with low and highest complexity presentations - including but not limited to COPD - amputation - CVA - Parkinson's disease - MS - brain injury - pneumonia - fractures - joint replacements - cardiac disease - CHF - dementia - cancer - falls - visual impairment - wounds - pain - hearing impairment - and behavior health diagnoses12Independently educates patients with complex learning barriers to learning in home programs and independent exercise programsPerforms this duty by using simple and advanced educational methods including demonstration - verbal and written instructions - and reverse demonstrationIndependently assesses the response to and effectiveness of education and changes educational methods to achieve maximum effect as directed13Complies with Standard Precautions and Infection Control principles in daily workPerforms this duty by knowing and following each patient's infectious status and taking appropriate precautions14May assume responsibility for clinic maintenancePerforms this duty by restocking linensrestocking suppliescleaning treatment areas between each patient's usekeeping maintenance checklists up to dateensuring that equipment is clean and ready for useand other duties related to clinic maintenance15May monitor clinic supplies as needed to ensure adherence to local policyPerforms this duty by routinely checking for expired productsensuring that flammable products are kept in the fire cabinetand - ensuring that all hazardous items are included on the MSDSMaintains the MSDS as directed by supervisor16Performs annual equipment inventory as directedPerforms this duty by performing bar code scanning per Logistics policy - editing the hardcopy EIL as necessary - and notifying the supervisor of missing items17Performs clerical and scheduling duties as assigned18Remains current of departmental happeningsPerforms this duty by regularly checking e-mail and attending department meetings and in-services19Furthers professional growth and developmentPerforms this duty by completing all mandatory training and competencies20Independently collects and reports functional outcomes as directedPerforms this duty by administering the appropriate functional scale at admission - d/c - and necessary intervalsDocuments the score obtained from the functional scale in necessary documentationSubmits the score for entry into the database 21Provides clinical direction for PTA studentsWork Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized