This position is within the Fleet Medicine Directorate, Branch Health Clinic (BHC) 1007, USS TRANQUILLITY, at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC). The position is assigned responsibility for rendering treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction to Active??Duty military service members to assure quality, comprehensive, cost-effective care

Duties

The GS 07 level Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) must demonstrate the knowledge skills, ability and depth of problem solving to implement and modify the treatment program for a wide variety of patients with multiple and complex disabilities. The PTA functioning at the GS 07 level assists the PT with planning, integrating, and coordinating treatment and is expected to apply thorough musculoskeletal rehabilitation principles to patients with difficult clinical presentations and symptoms. The PTA will need to exhibit flexibility in problem solving as required by the record review, history, and objective findings of the supervisory Physical Therapist's evaluation. Treatments plans instituted by the GS 07 level PTA will be designed to appropriately address limitations of the individual and often will be more complex. Treatment should be research and evidence-based and follows Clinical Practice Guidelines when appropriate. The GS 08 level Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) must demonstrate the knowledge skills, ability and depth of problem solving to implement and modify the treatment program for a wide variety of patients with multiple and complex disabilities with at least 1 year of experience or additional Certifications. The PTA functioning at the GS 08 level assists the PT with planning, integrating, and coordinating treatment and is expected to apply thorough musculoskeletal rehabilitation principles to patients with difficult clinical presentations and symptoms. The PTA will need to ex11ibit flexibility in problem solving as required by the record review, history, and objective findings of the supervisory Physical Therapist's evaluation. Treatments plans instituted by the GS 08 level PTA will be designed to appropriately address limitations of the individual and often will be more complex. Treatment should be research and evidence based and follows Clinical Practice Guidelines when appropriate. The PTA is responsible for administering treatment programs to Active Duty and Recruits for acute and chronic orthopedic musculoskeletal diagnoses. A strong knowledge of orthopedic diagnosis and rehabilitation are essential for this position. In addition, the PTA is responsible for his/her own professional development, maintaining licensure requirements and remaining current with treatment techniques. The therapist may be expected to work After Hours Clinic, Weekends and Holidays as needed. Work Schedule: 0630-1500 M-F Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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: 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 [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 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: GS-7 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 perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans. (b) Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases. (c) Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice. (d) Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan.] 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.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: VHA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G23 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-8.

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 Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60064 US
• Name: Vanessa Houliston
• Phone: 725-210-2766
• Email: [email protected]