Position is located in the Whole Health Section of the Organizational Development & Education (OD&E) Service Eastern Colorado VA Medical Center. The PTA provides well-being services.

Duties

Certified Physical Therapy Assistant: GS-05: This is the entry performance level of the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) requiring direct supervision and guidance from the occupational therapist. It is expected they receive guidance from more experienced staff members. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician. Plans and implements treatment programs and applies occupational therapy procedures to patients under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patients' status. Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of occupational therapy treatment programs. Utilizes data collection and assessment techniques to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client through the plan of care. Procedures require close consultation with an occupational therapist or physician. GS-06: This is the basic performance level of the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) with 6 months of experience comparable to the next lower grade level. This PTA will require guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and requires general supervision from the Physical Therapist. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician. Plans and implements treatment programs and applies occupational therapy procedures to patients under the close supervision of a physical therapist. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patients' status. Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs. Utilizes data collection and assessment techniques to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client through the plan of care. Procedures require close consultation with a physical therapist or physician. GS-07: This PTA will require minimal guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and requires general supervision from the Physical Therapist. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician. Plans and implements treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patients' status. Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs. Utilizes data collection and assessment techniques to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client through the plan of care. This is done in consultation with a physical therapist or physician. GS-08: This is the Full Performance Leve for the PTA. They provide treatment that provides the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical, cognitive and psychosocial dysfunction. Administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist but must be able to carry out a general treatment plan without the direct involvement of a Physical therapist. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician. Plans and implements treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patients' status. Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs. Utilizes data collection and assessment techniques to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client through the plan of care. This is done in consultation with a physical therapist or physician. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday, negotiable. Some off-tours may be required with notice. Telework: At the discretion of the supervisor Available (Ad-hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Compressed/Flexible:At the discretion of the supervisor Functional Statement #: 554-57918-O, 554-57919-O, 554-57920-O, 554-57921-O 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. Certification: PTAs must have written documentation that they have passed the entry-level certification examination for PTAs administered by the National Board for Certification in Physical Therapy (NBCT). 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. (1)Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. (a)Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess state licensure, may be appointed, pending licensure, as a graduate PTA on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. §7405(c)(2)(B). (b)Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (c)Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained. (d)Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (e)Failure to Obtain Licensure. In all cases, non-licensed PTAs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the non-licensed PTA with the written requirements for licensure, including the time by which the license must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to obtain licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment. Loss of Credential: A PTA who fails to maintain the required licensure must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Failure to Obtain License: In all cases, non-licensed PTAs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the non-licensed PTA with the written requirements for licensure, including the time by which the license must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to obtain licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision: All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as II-G22-2 May 27, 2021 VA Handbook 5005/145 PART II APPENDIX G22 described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. (5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Grade Determinations: GS-05: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-06: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:] (a)Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice. (b)[Ability to perform] physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care. (c)[Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients' changing needs. (d)Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. GS-07: 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-08: This is the Full Performance Level for the PTA.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. Preferred Experience: Certified Yoga instructor and/or certified Tai Chi instructor References: VA Handbook 5005/145 Part II Appendix G22 Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0636 Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. or over); Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, 4 hours standing, ability for rapid mental & muscular coordinator simultaneously; working around equipment/machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water; working closely with others.

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 Eastern Colorado HCS Denver 13611 E. Colfax Ave Aurora, CO 80045 US
• Name: Rodney Riggleman
• Phone: (210) 980-9493
• Email: [email protected]