Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in this assignment typically works at Central Virginia VA Health Systems (CVVHS) in Richmond, VA, a Complexity Level 1A (High Complexity) medical center and spends a majority of his/her time treating patients in area assigned at a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). PTA treats a variety of highly complex diagnoses across the continuum of care utilizing specialized treatment tools and procedures as outlined in POC.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Clinic Treatment PTA is assigned a varied caseload of patients from medical, surgical, PM&R, neurology, NHCU, psychiatry, SCI wards, Polytrauma, Amputees, outpatients and employees. PTA demonstrates an ability to assess patient's medical condition through chart review. Can work effectively in any of our Specialty Centers (Spinal Cord Injury and Disease, Polytrauma, and Cardiothoracic care) with complex cases. Works with clients with cognitive disorders such as confusion, poor motor coordination, memory deficits, identity confusion and poor judgement. Administers a wide variety of evidence-based physical therapy procedures through the use of exercise programs, mechanical traction therapeutic massage, heat, cold, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and electricity. Independently 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). Can measure, adjust and instruct in care and use of crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Instructs and assists patients in improving pulmonary function and in learning and improving functional activities - gait training, transfers, daily living activities - and in the use of and care of prostheses and orthoses. Performs, without interpretation, selected measurement procedures such as range of joint motion, gross strength of muscles groups, length and girth of body parts. Can modify patient's treatment program in collaboration with and under the direction of Physical Therapist within the limits specified in the care plan outlined by the Physical Therapist. Any need to deviate from the Plan of Care is immediately communicated with the Physical Therapist of record and any changes directed by Physical Therapist. Has knowledge and understanding of adverse reactions to treatment. Monitors vital signs and observes patients during treatment, and compiles and evaluates data on patient's progress and response. PTA reports orally or in writing to physical therapist. Maintains attendance records on assigned patients. Assists with maintaining department by performing various tasks, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, compiling statistics and computer data entry for patient scheduling. May assist in the management of and/or responsibility for a specialty program. May assist in leading a group of employees and communicates information regarding work assignments and scheduling. Can instruct students and manage affiliate PTA students under the direction of the Physical Therapy Center Continuing Education Coordinator and assigned Licensed PT. Ward Treatment The physical therapist assistant assigned at the Richmond CVVHS is assigned a varied caseload. He/she assists the therapist in the treatment of often critically ill patients. Has the proper skills and knowledge to recognize special precautions for mobilizing patients that have been bedridden for prolonged periods of time. Assists in monitoring the patient's vital signs (HR, BP, RR) and assists to restore abnormal alterations to normal parameters in accordance with established procedures/protocols/practices. Documents changes orally and written in progress notes. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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 Policy. Education: For this position you must meet at least one of the educational 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 foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. Or, 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 Determination: GS-08: In addition to meeting the basic requirements for appointment, candidate must have at least one (1) year of physical therapy assistant experience comparable to the GS-07 grade level in Federal Service. Creditable experience includes but not limited to: Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by the treating Physical Therapist (PT). PTAs draw upon a broad base of practical and experiential knowledge in order to assist the PT in reaching pre-determined patient goals. PTAs work independently but still under the general direction of PTs. They observe patients' ability to perform specified tasks in order to provide ongoing assessment of information on patients' physical and functional status. PTAs work with the physical therapy staff to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. They provide clinical direction for PTA students. And- In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the Candidates must also demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below: (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. References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23. Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0636. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting 50 pounds and over. Use of fingers, both hands required, reaching above shoulder, walking (8 hours), Standing (8 Hours) Both legs required (1 prosthetic), Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in other. Ability to distinguish shades of colors, Hearing (Aid permitted) and mental and emotional 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 Central Virginia VA Health Care System 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249 US
• Name: Ryan Leash
• Phone: 980-401-2554
• Email: [email protected]