The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) will work in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The PTA will provide treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. The treatment areas will include inpatient, outpatient, and acute care as dictated by the needs of the service in Tulsa, Oklahoma or Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Duties

The duties of the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) working with the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Service include, but are not limited to: Administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist. Participates in the coordination of activities within the Physical Therapy section of PM&R Service to maintain quantity and quality of work production. Responsible for the execution of regular and highly specialized treatment of patients. Advance patients to higher levels of activity and consults the Physical Therapist regarding special cases. Trains patients and family/caregivers in safe operation and maintenance of home equipment Coordinates the ordering and delivery and the training in the use of assistive devices/technology in a timely, efficient and accurate manner; must be familiar with all internal and external processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment. Familiar with current practices and medical research regarding effective care for those in geriatric care settings and able to implement those practices in therapy. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients including geriatric patients related to physical limitations, unique psychological needs, and age associated illnesses and conditions. Administers thermos-therapy, hydrotherapy, hot packs, electrical stimulation, TENS, diathermy, ultrasound, traction and exercises as indicated by a Physical Therapist. Administers therapeutic exercise, teaches transfer activities, mobility exercises and gait training to a wide variety of disabilities and diagnosis, selects, adapts and/or fits assistive devices in accordance with rehabilitation goals. Completes appropriately timed re-evaluations for the patients and modifies the goals and treatment plan based on the information gained by re-evaluation. Utilizes professional creativity and initiative in major modifications of objectives to suit patient needs as indicated under the direct supervision of Physical Therapist. Documents daily progress of treatment plans. Responsible for program development, refining present programs and ongoing program evaluation. Maintains clinic areas, equipment and supplies in a clean and organized manner to promote quality treatment in a safe and functionally appropriate environment. Assists PT supervisor to ensure all employees work in a safe, clean, infection- free environment and promotes these practices among all employees. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm; various shifts for inpatient units, other tours will be based on the needs of the service. Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 623-55405-A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C., Section 7403(f). Licensure: Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Education Requirements: 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 a foreign Physical Therapy Assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) OR Graduate of military Physical Therapy Assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs). 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 also be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-8 Grade Requirements: This is considered the journey level for PTAs. At this level PTAs collaborate with the primary Physical Therapist then draw upon a broad base of practical knowledge and a well-developed treatment skill set in order to reach pre-determined patient goals by independently modifying techniques within the established plan of care. Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade of GS-07. Candidates must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs): Ability to independently implement treatment plan 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 (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.). 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. Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. 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: Experience in an inpatient and outpatient clinical setting References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Physical Therapy is considered a vocation that requires "medium" strength according to the Department of Labor. Medium work entails exerting 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and 10-25 pounds of force frequently and or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for light work. The physical demands also require standing, walking, stair climbing, squatting, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, sitting, and changing from one position to the other frequently throughout the day. Sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer is also required. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients during treatment, during patient transfer activities and to operate equipment. Work requires physical stamina, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Jack C Montgomery VA Medical Center 1011 Honor Heights Drive Muskogee, OK 74401 US
• Name: Theophil Bruce
• Phone: 405-420-5736
• Email: [email protected]