The Physical Therapist Assistant is a member of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services staff servicing either Chattanooga, Nashville campus and/or the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro. The incumbent is responsible for providing services that promote the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients.

Duties

Physical Therapist Assistant, under the direction of a physical therapist are responsible for comprehensive monitoring of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized measures. The incumbent selects and provides direct physical therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness and performance in functional mobility, ROM/strength, education, work, play, leisure and social participation. The Physical Therapist Assistant demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in physical therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures. Functions include, but are not limited to: Independent evaluation of the patient's functional abilities including using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests as needed to determine physical therapy needs. Primary assessment instruments and/or procedures include, but are not limited to goniometry, strength measurements, observation, interview and review of medical histories to establish patient-centered goals and treatment. Development and carry out a full range of physical therapy treatments using a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional treatment techniques and modalities. The modalities/techniques used to meet individual rehabilitation objectives include, but are not limited to: strengthening and range of motion exercises, self-care training, application of adaptive equipment and splints, heat, ultrasound, cold, electrical stimulation, patient and family education regarding disability, cognitive re-training, wheelchair mobility and community re-integration. Understanding that patients often have multiple physical/medical and psych social deficits which necessitate adaptive treatment practices to meet specific/unique patient needs. Work effectively with patients, families/caregivers, treatment team members and others as identified. Documents thorough, objective, data related specifically to patient status and progress using the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to record results of treatment sessions, therapy goals, treatment plan, progress notes, and discharge summaries in accordance with PM&RS policy and facility guidelines. Consultants other medical center personnel in evaluating and planning occupational therapy treatment for complex cases (which may include but is not limited to attendance in Interdisciplinary Treatment Conferences and Medical Ethics Case Conferences). Provide clinical education and direct supervision for physical therapist/assistant students during fieldwork placement. Communicate with students and supervisor of physical therapy any concerns to ensure that the care of Veterans is not negatively affected in the process. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Physical Therapy Assistant Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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: Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8 (1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In addition the candidate must demonstrate the following: (2) 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. (3) This is considered the journey level for PTAs. PTAs at this level collaborate with the primary PT then draw upon a broad base of practical knowledge and a well-developed treatment skill set in order to reach predetermined patient goals by independently modifying techniques within the established plan of care. They implement the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. They provide evidenced based skilled interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, therapeutic modalities, gait training, transfer training, manual treatment, neuromuscular re-education, self-care and management training, patient/caregiver's education and group therapy. They meet with the physical therapy staff and other healthcare team members to evaluate and discuss patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. References: APPENDIX G23. PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0636. VA Handbook 5005/139, PART II APPENDIX G23. January 28, 2021. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: The incumbent of the position will meet and maintain physical and drug test program requirements for the position as required: heavy lifting of 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying of 15-44 pounds, straight pulling, pulling hand-over-hand, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other, emotional and mental stability.

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 Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville 1310 24th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212 US
• Name: Sherrie Taylor
• Phone: 502-910-5327
• Email: [email protected]